Club Times: January-February

J anua r y /F e b r ua r y 202 2

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A Farewell Letter from the Club President When I was elected as President of the Atlanta Athletic Club in February 2020, the most common advice or encouragement I received from members was “don’t mess things up.” That, of course, was pre-pandemic and at a time when we had just re-opened the Troon and Interlachen, completed the ladies’ locker room and were in a strong financial position. Since mid-March of that year, we have been faced with incredible changes in our Lo ok i n g to t h e Fu t u r e

ABOUT THE COVER This photo was taken after a snow storm in 2017 which covered the course in a beautiful blanket of snow.

daily personal and professional lives, disruptions in the economy due to supply-chain, workforce, inflation and other issues and other hurdles in adapting to the ‘next’ normal. With all of these headwinds, I’m pleased that we were able to continue to move forward with improvements to the Club, strong additions to our team and increased resources for our future. I realize that the journey during this time was not always clear or smooth. As I look back, I realize how little was known about Covid-19 and how it might impact us and for how long. At the outset, your Board and management team had meetings on at least a weekly basis to discuss what the next steps would be to protect our members and dedicated AAC team members. Then, we turned to re-opening and realized how much you all wanted to enjoy golf and other facilities and to be able to socialize together. The Club was truly a safe haven and welcomed escape from the trials of the pandemic. Fast forward to today and I am relieved that we have been able to overcome many challenges and return the Club operations closer to normal. I suspect, however, that there will be continuing challenges and we will all need to remain flexible and adaptive. I truly appreciate the understanding and support provided by the members during this time even when you thought we were too conservative (or, too aggressive) with our actions. Our success and perseverance can be directly attributed to the strength of our management team under David Sheppard’s leadership. Also, the commitment and hard work of your Board and Committees was exemplary. I am confident in saying that no previous board has been asked to spend as much time on Club business and I know that those previous boards worked hard as well. As noted above, during the last couple of years we’ve made progress in a number of areas and celebrated some key achievements. These include: • Strengthening our team – we are delighted to have welcomed Eric DaRin - Executive Chef, Bud Taylor – Director of Golf, and Shawn Koch – Director of Golf Instruction to our team. They are contributing greatly to our enjoyment of the AAC. • Improving our assets – during the pandemic, we were able to complete the much- needed renovation of the practice range, replacement of the clubhouse roof and update to the wet areas in the men’s golf locker room. • Planning for Riverside renovation – through an exhaustive and thorough process, Tripp Davis was selected as our new Golf Course Architect. Working with Tripp, Lukus Harvey and our contractors have completed the planning and permitting for the renovation as well. A special thanks to John Stakel, West Streib and Jason Sigler for their important work on this exciting project.

The club is now seeking volunteers to serve on committees. Committees are formed to afford club members not elected to the Board the opportunity to serve as a liaison between membership and the staff leadership team at the club. Committee members also provide input into the development of policies and programs in certain areas. By selecting a broad base of members representing different views, management and the Board have the opportunity to hear the opinions of the membership on issues of relevance and concern. The Board shall select committee members who are willing to make committee meeting attendance a priority, willing to consider the Club as a whole, and willing to lend expertise. All committee appointments are for a one-year term with a term limit of two consecutive years on any one committee and four consecutive years on all committees. Members reaching the four-year limit will be eligible for additional terms after “sitting out” for one year. This policy allows for greater participation from the membership. Members and their spouses are eligible for committee service. The following are standing committees at the club: Athletics, Finance, Golf, Grounds, Heritage, House, Membership, and Tennis. If you are interested in serving, please contact Margaret Almand at mma@aac1. org or 770-368-7703 by January 31, 2022. Each year we are fortunate to have a large pool of candidates from which to select so unfortunately not all those who volunteer will serve on committees. If selected the term would commence on April 1, 2022 and end on March 31, 2023. Seeking Volunteers for Committee Service

• Hosting another Major – it was great fun to see the greatest women golfers in the world compete in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship which was won by Nelly Korda. Thanks to Steve Craine and Ashley Adelman for serving as Co-Chairs, and to all of the members who volunteered to assure that the championship was a huge success. We have a lot to celebrate and be appreciative about being members of this great club. We are positioned well for the future. However, it appears that the challenges we currently face will not be subsiding soon. Riverside will be shut down for renovation for 9 months. Finding and retaining employees is expected to remain difficult. The impact of inflation is real which will impact all aspects of our operations and financial needs. We are doing our best to plan for each of these but will ask for your continued patience, understanding and support. I would like to remind our voting members that our Annual Members Meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will feature brief presentations from Kevin Costello, Treasurer, and me. After the meeting a reception will follow with complementary beer, wine and food stations. The meeting and reception are for members only; no guests, spouses or dependents are admitted. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your President the past two years. It has been a very busy and challenging period for the Club, but your support during this time is truly appreciated by me and the Board. I would like to thank the dedicated members of the Board, committees, and management staff for their efforts to continue to make Atlanta Athletic Club one of the best full service private clubs in the country! I would also like to thank them for their support during the past year; I have certainly enjoyed working with each of them. I hope you have a prosperous year, and look forward to seeing you and your family enjoying the Club throughout 2022. Sincerely,

Tim Bentsen President

Member news New Members

In Loving Memory Mr. William “Bill” D. Danielson It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Life Golf member William “Bill” D. Danielson on November 12, 2021. He was 95 years of age. Bill attended Boys High, then graduated with an architecture degree from Georgia Tech. He served in combat in Germany at the end of WWII. He married the lovely, Jean Loney Danielson, in 1953. She predeceased him in 1989. He founded the Danielson and Paine architecture firm and over the years designed hundreds of buildings in Atlanta. Bill joined the AAC in 1963. Bill was a lifelong golfer whose favorite activity was hitting the links at the Atlanta Athletic Club, with his fellow “Duffers.” Bill is survived by his sons, William Douglas Danielson Jr. and “Doug” (Jill), Robert Cliff Danielson “Cliff ” of Atlanta and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Barbara Dimmick It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Heisman Surviving Spouse member, Barbara Dimmick on October 1. She was 87 years of age. She is predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Donald Dimmick, who passed away in 2008. The Dimmicks joined the club in 1978.

Mr. Robert Walker Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Dennis Bruce, Mr. Jim Manley, Mr. Frank Murphy Mr. Walker is President and Owner of Profloors LLC. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and lives in Atlanta. Mr. Gregory Preston Associate Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Ian Nadasdy, Mrs. Erin Swindall, Mr. Logan Hinton Mr. Preston is an Associate at Morris, Manning

& Martin LLP. He received his bachelor’s in Business Administration/Finance at the University of Georgia and also received his JD at the University of Georgia. He lives in Atlanta.

Mr. Michael Ruffcorn and his wife Mackenzie Associate Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Connor Boston, Mr. Shane Foye, Mrs. Brooke Yannucci Mr. Ruffcorn is an Associate at Houlihan Lokey. He received his bachelor’s in Business

Administration/Finance at the University of Georgia. Mrs. Ruffcorn also received her bachelor’s in Business Administration/Finance at the University of Georgia and is currently a Homemaker. They live in Atlanta.

Ms. Alexandria Leggett Legacy Heisman Membership Sponsors: Mrs. Cristina Hines, Dr. Christopher Leggett, Mr. Roy Hendee Ms. Leggett is an Expert Consultant in Data & Artificial Intelligence at IBM. She received her bachelor’s in International Business at Spellman College. She lives in Atlanta.

Golf News from the Atlanta Athletic Club Golf Shop - One of America’s Top 100 Shops of All-Time Celebrating Outstanding Club Members & Staff

AAC Member, Brock Healy Wins 2021 Pinetree Intercollegiate AAC Member, Brock Healy, won the Pinetree Intercollegiate for Kennesaw State University last week with 35 pars, 10 birdies, and two eagles. One of those eagles was even made from the fairway on the 18th hole in his final round. Not only was this Healy’s first collegiate individual win, but he also received the Conference Player of the Week for the second week in a row. In July, he received the title of GCAA All- American Scholar along with fellow Kennesaw student, Brady Keran.

Junior Golf Leader, Chris Moore Receives 2021 Youth Player Development Award The award recognizes Georgia PGA Professionals who are leaders in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth. Chris Moore received this honor due to his promotion and development of junior golf at the club level, and his support for national junior golf programs.

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Golf Operation Hours: GOLF COURSE: Tuesday - Sunday 8:30 a.m. - Dusk GOLF SHOP: Tuesday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. PRACTICE FACILITY: Tuesday - Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 30 Minutes Before Sunset GOLF CARTS: Last Cart Out 1 Hour Before Sunset Last Cart In Dusk

FOLLOW THE GOLF SHOP ON INSTAGRAM FOR REGULAR UPDATES HIGHLIGHTING MERCHANDISE, AGRONOMIC HAPPENINGS ON THE GOLF COURSES AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION. @aacgolfshop

Fantastic Shots EAGLES Steffen Smith

Riverside #1 Riverside #18

Mark Gonsalves HOLE IN ONE John Anderson

Highlands #12

Riverside #8

2021 Fall Invitational Champions

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Fall Invitational Champions Congratulations to John Straughan and Kevin Butler your 2021 Fall Invitational Champions!!! Straughan has played this event 26 times without a win... Until now! What seemed like a lifelong dream has now become a reality. They fought hard through the entire week and played well as a team, as evident on #17 in the shootout. John and Kevin hung tough and pulled it out on the 18th green, a much deserved victory!

RTJ Jr. Four-Ball Championship Results Congratulations to the team of Mark Benefield & Kyle Hammond for earning the title of Gross Champion, and the team of Dean Deweese & Jack Browne for earning the title of Net Champion.

Match Play Championship Results The Match Play Championship came to a close as we crowned our 2021 Champion Will Hanna, securing a 4&3 victory over Dimitri Cassini. Will was steady all day, with help along the way from his caddy Jake Scheiderer.

Nine-Hole Golf News Such a great Holiday season with our annual Christmas Gala returning this year! We are so thankful to all the committees responsible for so many great adventures and events in 2021. We look forward to our new calendar and will have more information out to your email soon for any winter meetings.

Congratulations TO OUR SHORT GAME SHAKE- UP WINNERS THIS PAST FALL! 1st Place Lynda Bartkow 2nd Place Shirley Work Closest to the Hole #1 Shirley Work #1 Hole Runner Up Cindy Smith Closest to the Hole #7 Shirley Work

Eighteen-Hole Golf Another great year has ended! Thank you to all those who help to make our 2021 season a success! Congratulations to all golfers that received awards at our Annual Closing Brunch. We finished the year recognizing our Golfer of the Year and Most Improved Golfer. The 2022 Committee was introduced and our outgoing President, Donna Gonsalves, passed the gavel to

incoming President Sally Green. Follow us on Facebook AACWGA

2021 President Donna Gonsalves 2022 President Sally Green

2021 Winners

GOLFER OF THE YEAR 1st Place Debbie Boling 2nd Place Sue Suh

Pres i dent Cup Champ i ons Linda Kirwan and Sue Suh

Our F i nal Play Day of 2021

MOST IMPROVED GOLFER 1st Place Donna Gonsalves

2nd Place Lisa Justice 3rd Place Jan Daniels

HOLE IN ONE Diane Fleming

Book Club Upcoming Reads social and dining

Ladies Bridge Association The AAC Ladies Bridge Association social was held Friday December 17. This was scheduled in conjunction with the Christmas buffet which is always a treat. Thanks to all who attended. Our next bridge social will be on Friday, May 6th. We had overwhelming interest in our first series of Beginner Bridge Lessons offered in the fall. The class of 32 students filled up quickly! Because of this strong interest, we plan to offer these lessons again in the winter on Tuesday evenings from January 19th to March 8th. Sign up using the AAC website. We may also offer “next level” classes as follow up to the beginner series if there is enough interest. Please be on the lookout for announcements. We are excited about all these new bridge players and we hope you will join our bridge association! We host activities and bridge games suitable for all levels of players and we are exploring some new ideas targeted for beginners with the assistance of our more experienced players. If you are interested in joining the bridge association, please contact M.J. Olsen at mjolsen225@gmail.com or by phone #770-595-8197. Registration applications are located in the Ladies Locker Room. Our weekly SOCIAL

BRIDGE on the second and fourth Wednesdays and DUPLICATE BRIDGE will be the first and third Wednesdays in the Dot Kirby card room at 3:00 PM. We generally have 4 to 6 tables with room for more. Beachie Hall, Social Bridge coordinator, sends weekly invitations to

all members of the AAC Ladies Bridge club members each week. The bridge director, Cynthia Tanner or Lynn Kleifgen will send the request for players of Duplicate. After play, most players have enjoyed dinner at 6:30 PM in the Troon Grill, some joined by their spouses/ significant others. The staff in the grill have been great to assist our group with reservations to accommodate our diners. COUPLES BRIDGE continues the first Friday of each month at 4:00pm. Sandra Evans, Couples Events chairperson, and her husband Tom are great organizers for the event. Sandra sends emails for sign up the Saturday before the scheduled date. Please respond as soon as you can since this fills up quickly. A dinner buffet is immediately following bridge play in the Oakmont Room. Marathon matches began in August. The game director is Melisa Dickens. Each team is responsible for scheduling one match each month, August through April, while skipping December. The format is 20 rounds of pre-dealt boards played each month and the event is scored as duplicate bridge so there are separate North/South and East/West winners every month, with cumulative winners for the year. There are 14 teams participating this year continuing into April 2022. Think about playing Marathon starting next August! It is a great low key way to improve your bridge and build a partnership.

AAC Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, January 20th at 4:00 p.m. in the ladies’ locker room. We will be discussing The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and Joanmarie Wilson will do the presenting. On Thursday, February 17th , Shirley Work will be presenting, The Giver of Stars, by JoJo Meyers and it will be at the usual 4:00 p.m. in the ladies’ locker room. This is open to all the women of the club and there is no need to R.S.V.P.

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Ladies Night: Paint & Sip Thursday January 27 6 – 8 p.m. 1898 House $65 per person GUESTS ARE WELCOME Painting with a Twist comes back to AAC! Create colorful memories for a fun night out with friends. Included in the price will be charcuterie and a glass of wine to enjoy while you paint. Just bring your creative spirit then we will provide brushes, paints, canvas, aprons and everything you need. An instructor will guide you with step by step instructions to help you create your very own masterpiece. Reservations open December 28th and may be made online or by contacting our Concierge at 770-448-2166. All confirmed reservations are subject to the Club’s 72- hour Cancellation policy.

Late January or Early February $125 per person THIS EVENT WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 12 PEOPLE TO SIGN UP. WE WILL SEND A TEXT NOTIFICATION WITH THE MEETING LOCATION. THE EVENT KICKS OFF AT 6:30PM WITH A SPECIALTY COCKTAIL AND PASSED HORS D’OEUVERS. DINNER WILL BE HELD IS A TOP SECRET LOCATION ON SITE. CHEF WILL CURATE THE 4 COURSE MEAL BASED OFF AN EXCITING THEME. THIS NEW EVENT WILL BE THE TALK OF THE TOWN! LOOK OUT IN THE CLUB CONNECTIONS FOR THE DATE. IT WILL BE ANNOUNCED THE WEEK OF THE DINNER. RESERVATIONS CAN MAY BE MADE ONLINE OR BY CONTACTING OUR CONCIERGE AT 770-448-2166.

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Wine Dinner Featuring Silver Oak March 2nd Merion

alentine’s Dining n M rion

Saturday, February 12th 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. / $85 per Person RENDEZVOUS WITH YOUR SWEETHEART IN THE MERION FOR OUR VALENTINE’S THEMED MENU THAT WILL DELIGHT YOUR TASTE BUDS. DINING GUIDELINES • THE MERION WILL FEATURE AN ABBREVIATED A LA CARTE PRE-FIXED FOUR COURSE MENU. • DINING RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR LIMITED SEATING BETWEEN 6:00 – 8:30 P.M • RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MAY BE MADE BY CONTACTING THE CLUBHOUSE CONCIERGE AT 770-448-2166

CALL 770-368-7739 TO ORDER YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE AND AVOID THE WAIT!

HEARTS DELIGHT $250 Half Day Spa package – 1 hour massage, 1 hour facial and mani/pedi HUGS AND KISSES $135 90 minute massage with free scalp massage BE MINE $135 90 minute facial with free brow tint or wax TAKE TWO PRICES VARY Complimentary deep conditioning treatment with any color service with haircut Valentine’s Spa Special

fitness and nutrition New Year, New Goals! The AAC Fitness Center offers comprehensive wellness solutions for members of all ages and abilities. Let us help you look and feel your best in 2022! P e r s ona l T ra i n i ng Having a hard time fitting exercise into your busy schedule? Let one of our trainers teach you how to make the most of your time in the gym! Our trainers will help you safely start and maintain an effective exercise program, unique to you. All of our trainers are here to help motivate you and achieve your fitness goals. Me e t O ur T ra i n e r s

JOSH BROWN During his time at the AAC Josh has worked with hundreds of clients of all ages and fitness levels, many of whom have been training with him for over a decade. He enjoys all aspects of fitness training from sports performance to fat loss but has a particular interest in the area of corrective and functional exercise for improved posture, balance/ stability, flexibility, joint mobility and spinal health/low back pain reduction.

AARON ROBERTS Aaron has been a sports performance coach and personal trainer for over 14 years in the Atlanta area. During this time, he was an employee of Competitive Edge Sports Performance and was involved in the training of youth to professional athletes in speed, agility and strength. His experience has allowed him to work with pro and collegiate level athletes in football, tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, lacrosse and hockey.

SARAH WINSTEAD Sarah is excited to share her enthusiasm for fitness while encouraging a balanced and happy lifestyle. She is a nutrition consultant certifed from the National Academy of Metabolic Science. She comes from an athletic background as a collegiate swimmer at Clemson University, half-marathon runner and nationally qualified physique competitor.

MARIAN SIMPSON-DE JONG

NEIL DOLDO NEIL IS THE

If you are looking for high intensity, functional based

Director of Fitness at AAC. He holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Exercise Science and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He also recently completed the Titleist Performance Institute’s Level 1 certification.

training, Marian is the trainer for you. Marian has been a personal trainer and group exercise instructor at AAC for over 10 years. She is also certified in multiple group exercise formats such as Cycling and Body Pump. Marian recently expanded her expertise by completing training on the Pilates Apparatus Equipment.

R at e s Private : $45 for a half hour or $70 for one hour Buddy ( Two people) : $35 per person for half hour or $60 for one hour Group ( Three+ people) : $25 per person for a half hour For more information about personal training, or to get started with a trainer today, please contact Neil Doldo at nad@aac1.org.

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R e f o rme r P i l at e s Reformer Pilates is advancement of Mat Pilates, that includes apparatus training utilizing the Reformer, Tower, Cadillac or Wunda Chair. Each piece of equipment offers an extraordinary range of strengthening and stretching exercises using spring tension as the primary form of resistance. Each 55-minute lesson incorporates rhythmic, flowing movements which increase strength, flexibility and stamina while improving postural alignment, balance, coordination and tone. All apparatus equipment use must be supervised by a certified AAC instructor. A minimum of three Private sessions are required before entering a group class. Me e t O ur T ra i n e r s

CHRISTINE SCHNEIDER Christine Schneider is passionate about movement and is an avid follower of all things fitness including Pilates, spin, yoga, and running. Christine fell in love with Pilates in 2004 and decided to become an instructor and share the benefits of Pilates with others. Her energetic, caring and compassionate way of teaching gives her clients a personalized and unique experience.

CJ STEPHANS CJ began her love of athletics and fitness through dance teams, softball teams, swimming, golf, and cheer-leading as a youngster. Having studied Exercise Physiology, Kinetic movement, and Dance at UH and UNLV, she was a member of Southwest Dance Academy and Las Vegas Dance Academy. She is a certified Pilates Instructor and Trainer as well as having Group Fitness certifications in Pilates Mat, Bodystep, Zumba, and Barre.

MARA MOONEY Mara Mooney has been practicing Pilates since the eighties and has been certified to teach since 2001. She has been working with clients locally for nearly two decades. Her journey has led her to be certified in TRX, cycling, sculpt, and many other fitness genres.

R at e s Private : $70 per hour Semi -Private : (2 People) $45 each

Private Group of 3: $30 each Private Group of 4: $25 each Unl imi ted Monthly Group Pi lates : (bi lled on the f irst of each month- -recurring membership, cancel at any t ime) $140

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Nutrition Commit to Fit 2022 – 12 Week Nutrition Program Kickoff 2022 by committing to a happy and healthier you! Learn about how to fuel your body for performance, fat loss and muscle building! This 12-week program is designed specifically to help educate you, encourage positive change and build healthy sustainable habits beyond a New Year’s Resolution! Coaching Includes: • Custom Nutrition Plans for Your Goals • Weekly Check-Ins Virtually for Questions/ Adjustments • E-Books on Macro Tracking and Healthy Recipes • Optional Training/Cardio Plans • Over $140 in Savings vs. Monthly Nutrition

Physical Therapy WITH BODY IN BALANCE

Body in Balance provides a patient-centric, holistic approach to treating orthopedics and sports related injuries. Physical therapy and wellness services are available to those who are injured, recovering from surgery, in need of maintenance for nagging injuries, aches and pains who are looking for a wellness program, and for those wanting to return to recreational activities as well as sports at any level. Our therapists schedule true one-on-one 55-minute session which will allow for you to be assessed comprehensively and then given a personalized program with emphasis placed on returning to sport or daily life with the highest functional ability possible. They have advanced training in manual therapy, used with every patient, including dry needling, kinesio and athletic taping, mobilization of joints, trigger point and myofascial release. Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance plans are accepted, and self-pay is available. To schedule an appointment please email one of our therapists: Sequential order sign-ups are required starting with the 8:00 am time slot. Time slots begin at 8:00 am and are every 15 minutes until 11:00 am. What r e s u lt s w i l l yo u r e c e i v e ? • Your body fat and lean mass percentages. • Your long term health prognosis. • What your Body Fat Percentages should be for optimal health. • How much fat, if any, you need to lose to reach your goal. • An accurate reading on your metabolism. (Basal Metabolic Rate) • Personal Caloric intake and expenditure chart, so you can actually tell how many calories you burn during a normal day. Michelle Ledford – michelle@bnbpt.co Elizabeth Swift – ionasball8@yahoo.com Andrea O’Neal – andrea@bnbpt.co

Coaching 12 Week Program: $400 per Person

Contact Sarah Winstead at sarahwinsteadfit@gmail.com or call 404-499-6487 for more information and to schedule

your complimentary consultation. “Commit to Fit” Starts January 1!

Hydrostatic Body Fat Testing SATURDAY JANUARY 22 FROM 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM $45 Have you ever wondered what you actually weighed or what your exact body fat percentage was? Sign up for the Hydrostatic Body Fat Test today! You will receive a 4-page printout, which shows you where you are, where you should be, and what it will take to get there. Please bring a bathing suit and towel; there is a private dressing room on truck. Pre-registration online is required and spots are limited.

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Our 2021 Turkey Trot Winners We had a great turnout for our 2021 Turkey Trot with over 95 runners competing in the 1-mile fun run and 5K. Male and Female winners in each age group received a medal and a Thanksgiving Turkey for their efforts.

Join Barracudas Swim and Dive ! With summer right around the corner, the Barracuda swimmers and divers will be back in the pool in no time! Registration will begin in January on our SwimTopia website! PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK TO REGISTER: www.aac.swimtopia.com Look for more sneak-peak information to come in the next few months! Congratulat ions to Team Cote Our Fall Basketball League Champs! Our men’s basketball league came to a con- clusion in November with Team Cote beating Team Boots in the finals 61-46 and remaining undefeated on the season! Congratulations to Dylan Cote, Matt Betley, Tommy Kiser, Ryan Cote, Michael Zagoria, Tom Flynn, Paul Cote, and Davis Adams for winning the fall season! We will run it back in the spring, look for details on registration in early March!

Overall Winners JACKSON LUSKIN (THREE TIMES IN A ROW!) ANSLEY VOSS

Fun Run Winners (10 and under) : First Place: Garner Webb & Taylor Keogh Second Place: Cole Adra & Blakely Johnson Third Place: Hudson Kohout & Sloan Keogh

20 to 29: Chip Keebaugh Kendall Keebaugh 30 to 39: Alexander Simon Casey Dance 40 to 49: Josh Voss Elizabeth Englert

5K OVERALL WINNERS : Jackson Luskin 17:52 Ansley Voss 22:09

9 and Under: Brady Turner Elle Rockett 10 to 14: Tyler Johnson Avery Voss

50 to 59: Richard Staley Amy Jenos 60 to 69: Scott Johnson

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The Early Years: AAC and Its Athletic Champions In 2023, Atlanta Athletic Club will celebrate its 125th anniversary. The club was founded in 1898 by a group of 65 Atlanta businessmen who enjoyed playing sports and camaraderie. This article is the eighth in a series entitled “125 Years: The Legacy of Atlanta Athletic Club.” The purpose of the series is so that members may become familiar with the history and heritage of the great club to which they belong.

Baseball was one of the most popular sports in the early years, but AAC members had a wide variety of sports from which to choose. In 1900, when baseball players’ uniforms made them appear more like streetcar conductors than athletes, the AAC won the city championship. Eight years later, the team captured the amateur state championship. Nat Thornton, the noted tennis player, remembered, “Arthur Howell was the finest pitcher you ever saw. We played colleges and other athletic teams—such as Birmingham, Cleveland, Yale— and could beat most of them.” Tennis was also gaining in popularity, so much so that nearly every country club in the city added tennis courts. Thornton, C. Y. Smith, E. V. Carter Jr., and Frank “Hop” Owens helped the AAC reign supreme for three decades on the court. Smith won the Southern Amateur ttitle in 1912, 1916, 1918, 1920, and 1921, and Owens

won in 1922. Nat Thornton, the younger brother of Henry Thornton, a charter member, recalled his early years at the club: “They took me in before I was old enough to be a regular member because I won the tournament. I won forty or fifty cups playing tennis all over the South.” Between 1907 and 1940, AAC tennis players won twenty-one of the thirty-four Southern Tennis Singles Championships. Bryan M. Grant Sr. was a noted champion; but he would soon be overshadowed by his son, Bitsy. In 1930, Bitsy won the United States Clay Court Championship and then repeated the feat in 1933, 1934, and 1935. He won the Southern Tennis Singles in 1933, 1935, 1938, 1939, and 1940. In 1936, Grant, called the “Mighty Atom,” was ranked third in the national amateur ratings. The next year, he was named to the Davis Cup team. Basketball was played on Saturday nights, often followed by a dance. The AAC basketball team played in and lost its first game in 1903 against Yale, as the Yale team passed through Atlanta on a Christmas tour. By 1908, under Heisman, the AAC was competing against other athletic clubs around the state. Years ago, a former member remembered about Heisman, “He didn’t’t know a thing about basketball when he took the job, but in the first month he had learned more than the rest of us put together.” In the early years, the basketball season comprised games with college teams and other athletic clubs, and they were rough. One member recalled the early games: “One of our guys was a noted football player at Georgia Tech. We had a boxer on the team and a professional wrestler. They used to knock opposing players right and left. The referee didn’t’t call many fouls in those days. It may have been because he was afraid to. You had to hit a man with your fist, or knock him down and step on his head, or almost kill him some other way before they called a foul on you.” “I recollect one game we played with Birmingham Athletic Club,” explained Nat Thornton. “The Birmingham boys were our most bitter rivals. That affair looked more like a free-for-all fight than a basketball game. The main object was to lay ’em out, and we did a good job of that. We shook ’em up

Bitsy Grant

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Swimmers in Carnegie Pool

so bad that a little college team—Vanderbilt—beat them the next night.” During the first twenty years of the club’s history, Saturday night basketball games were popular social activities. The AAC basketball team, captained by Al Doonan, won its first Southern Championship in 1909. Doonan was one of the club’s best all-around athletes. He played forward on the first basketball team, served as chairman of the athletic committee, and then managed the club’s teams for many years. He was also the club’s billiard and pool champion. In 1920, he brought the National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Tournament to Atlanta. To recognize his accomplishments and service to the club, the AAC named the gymnasium at the downtown club “Al Doonan Hall.” According to member Charlie Harrison, “The AAC team won or was runner-up in the Southern Basketball Tournament every year from 1912 to 1926.” This domination prompted the City Builder in 1925 to declare: “Atlanta—the unquestioned basketball center of Dixie.” From 1925 to 1930, the last years in which basketball was a dominant sport at the AAC, the team won sixty-four of the seventy-four games on the club schedule. Swimming gained in popularity after the AAC built the country club at East Lake, and the first team competed in 1915. The AAC hosted the AAU Southern Swimming Championships for many years, winning the title in 1917 and 1921. Some of the early champions were Gilbert Fraser, Homer Thompson, and Mariana Goldsmith (later Mariana Knox). In the early years, swimming events were held at the lake over a course that Bobby Jones described as going “from the old poplar tree where we used to find bream beds just opposite the dining room, up to the bridge.” Older members still tell stories about swimming with Olympic champions who came to Atlanta to test themselves against the AAC’s teams. Swimming remained an important sport at the club through the 1960s. The Club Times reported in 1966 that the AAC team acquired half the points for the state of Georgia in the regional

meet. Member Billy Heinz Jr. was asked to try out for the Olympic diving team, and Lee Bradford was named an All-American swimmer in high school, but interest in team competition eventually waned. Track and cross-country also became popular at AAC in the early years, though the first team consisted of one man, Walter Scott, who won the annual road races held in Birmingham three years in a row. In 1911, the AAC track team won the Southern Championship road race held at Grant Field. While tennis, swimming, and basketball are still important parts of the AAC experience, golf has become the club’s main attraction, thanks in part to the fame and success of Bobby Jones. However, the game’s origins and its place in the club’s history precede Jones. The first permanent golf club in the United States, the St. Andrews Golf Club in Yonkers, New York, was founded in 1888. Golf boomed in America in the early part of the twentieth century and directly influenced the AAC. In 1920, the United States Golf Association (USGA) counted 477 member clubs; by the 1930s, more than 1,100 private clubs were members. The United States had more than 5,700 golf courses. In Atlanta, between 1900 and 1935, several notable courses were built, including Ansley Park Golf Club (1912), Brookhaven Country Club (1913), and Druid Hills Golf Club (1913). Over the next several decades, half a dozen public and semiprivate golf courses opened. In the South, the AAC was the first country club to add golf permanently to its athletic activities. The AAC hired Tom Bendelow to expand the first holes that the club laid out to a full eighteen-hole course, which formally opened on July 4, 1908. Bendelow designed more than 100 courses from 1885 to 1948, including Minnetonka Country Club and the three courses at Medinah Country Club. Bill O’Callaghan described the construction: “They had to utilize hand-held, mule-drawn equipment. That’s probably good in the sense that it meant that the golf course played naturally along the land.” It was eventually remodeled by Donald Ross.

tennis

FROM THE DIRECTOR, JEFF CHANDLEY

led to, and will continue to adversely affect our ability to secure the equipment you are accustomed to having regularly in our tennis center. Your tennis center is not alone with this challenge. June set a record for “big-box store” expenditures for tennis equipment. The global rubber shortage has limited manufacturer’s ability to make tennis balls! Please know I am working with multiple vendors to secure the equipment we need. We are hopeful the manufacturers will be able to catch up to the unprecedented demands by mid-2022. Your tennis committee has been working on our SWOT analysis that we formed in our September meeting. The main topics for 2022 to review and enhance are: 1. Outdoor viewing/gathering areas 2. Limited food and beverage 3. Re-vitalize men’s program 4. Limited merchandise selection 5. Court capacity (primarily an indoor issue)

As you can see, certain items will need to be addressed utilizing capital dollars and cannot be remedied with our operational dollars. Other items will be addressed in staffing and focus meeting for 2022. The tennis committee is an important part of our program and plays a vital role in the success and satisfaction of the tennis program. We are always looking for members from all sections of our tennis players to help with the tennis committee. The committee is not just a sounding board, but the ears and voice of our Board of Directors and staff. If you are interested in volunteering on the committee or any committee of the AAC, please contact Jeff Chandley for details on how you can help the department continue to meet our members’ expectations. Thank You

AAC Members, This is the time of year where we reflect on our

accomplishments in 2021, while we plan for 2022. The year 2021, coming out of COVID restrictions, was quite a transition. The COVID shutdown of 2020 led to a massive boon for tennis. Folks turned to tennis during the shutdown to get outside, exercise, and be with other humans. Tennis participation surged to 20-year highs. This carried over into 2021 as evidenced here at the AAC. We had 130 teams competing in ALTA and USTA. This led to an increase in revenues of 27%, year over year and we currently are 8% favorable to budget. We see this growth trend continuing into 2022. Tennis’ incredible growth comes with challenges, too. We are not immune to the continued supply chain challenges afflicting the country. The increased demand for tennis equipment, in conjunction with the supply chain challenges,

t e n n i s

Tennis & Pickleball 101 Programs One of our goals as a program is to introduce players to both tennis and pickleball. We have a special program for those looking to learn a new sport and get involved in all we have to offer. Both programs teach the players all the basic elements of tennis and pickleball. Our professional staff has a fun and informative teaching style, which will keep the players engaged and confident in their skills at the end of each session. If you are interested or know a member that is interested in learning one of these sports, please contact the tennis center at 770-368-7740 or Jeff Chandley. Ladies Night & Men’s Night The outdoor season will begin in March for our popular Ladies and Men’s Nights. Join us! Look for details of our starting dates and times in the March/ April Club Times or on our AAC Website. Club Singles Championship Sign up for our Singles Championship and Become a Club Champion. Registration begins January 1 and will close on January 20. Play starts January 25 with a round robin flex league format. This is for all levels 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and Open divisions. Cost is $20 per player. Sign-up online or call the tennis center pro-shop. Contact Jeff Chandley for more details or questions. High School Invitational We are excited to announce our annual High School Invitational will be held March 18 & 19, 2022 on our AAC tennis courts. Six of our area public high schools will be competing for the Piedmont Bank trophy in the AAC High School Championship. This event is in its sixth year of competition and has become a major event in the high school tennis world. The boys and girls compete in doubles and mixed doubles in a round robin format. One quote from last year’s team coach said, “this is our kids Super Bowl of Tennis”. Plan to come out and watch some great junior tennis. Look for schedule and detail in our March Club Times.

Tennis Clay Courts Winter brings multiple days of freezing weather which causes our clay courts to freeze. Many times, early in the morning, they will look as if they are playable because the frozen water is under the clay surface material. That is deceiving because as the sun hits areas of the court, it will begin to thaw, and the water expands and rises to the surface. This makes the courts unplayable for several hours, if at all, depending on the evaporation of the water and the sun moving across the courts. You will see the maintenance staff has rolled up the windscreens on the Southside of the courts. This is to help the sun’s ability to reach as much of the court as possible. The main theme of this is that the clay courts may not be playable in the early mornings during this time of the year. The staff will do everything they can to have your clay court ready, but when courts are not playable, they will be posted, and the nets will be lowered to keep players from trying to use the courts. Court Cancellation Policy This is a reminder for our members: we have a strict cancellation policy for courts, lessons, and events. Our court reservation cancellation policy is 8 hours before the reservation or the member will be charged for the time reserved. This includes those on the Indoor Court Plan. During this time of the year, when indoor courts are in high demand, it is not feasible for courts to be underutilized when others are wanting to play. You can always use the AAC App to cancel your courts. For events and lessons the cancellation policy is 24 hours. Thank you for your understanding.

t e n n i s Ladies Tennis ALTA Fall S ason B-6 SUNDAY TEAM / DIVISION WINNER Captains: Melissa Cusimano and Clare Manning

Registration for Spring ALTA teams begin January 1 and ends January 20. All existing players should have already committed to their teams. No movement among AAC teams is allowed at this time; however, new players can request to be placed on a team based on availability of spots. If you have any questions related to the ALTA league, please reach out to me via e-mail at cmg@aac1.org or call me at 770-368-7740.

Senior Ladies 55 & over Matches begin on Tuesday, March 15 Last week of matches Tuesday, April 26 Thursday 18 & Over Ladies Matches begin on Thursday March 17 Last week of matches is Thursday, April 28 Sunday 18 & Over Ladies Matches begin on Sunday March 20 Last week of matches is Sunday May 1 Men’s Tennis ALTA

A-1 THURSDAY DIVISION WINNER Captains: Sandra Campbell and Pam Starke

We have three men’s teams competing in Spring ALTA. Roster registration ends January 20. The season starts play Saturday, March 19 at 9 a.m. Captains:

David Clough- A Team Todd Kohout- B Team Mike Dorr- C Team USTA

B-5 SUNDAY TEAM / DIVISION WINNERS Captains: Lori Morlan and Julia Jernigan

Our USTA 4.0 men’s team is currently competing. Their matches take place Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Please come watch and support your fellow members. USTA 40 and over league team registration closes on January 18. MEN’S NIGHT Men’s Night will remain indoors until March 24. Registration is required on a weekly basis.

t e n n i s Make learning the following sports your New Year’s Resolution! Rookie Ladies’ Clinic

PICKLEBALL Levels 1 & 2 4-WEEK SESSION

SIX-WEEK SESSION: FRIDAYS, 10 – 11 A.M. This class is geared towards players who are just starting to pick up the game. Athletes will learn all of the necessary shots and techniques to begin to rally with friends, and they will be introduced to the rules, etiquette, and tennis vocabulary that they need to start to play. Register online or contact Seth at SGR@aac1.org. Six-week session cost: $135 Intermediate Rusty Racquets Ladies’ Clinic SIX-WEEK SESSION: FRIDAYS, 11 A.M. – 12 P.M. Designed specifically for the 2.0-3.0 levels, this class is perfect for ladies that are just starting to play competitively or who used to play and are anxious to get back into the game. We will cover stroke techniques, movement, and the 5 ball controls: height, distance, direction, speed, and spin. Drills will be cooperative and competitive, and will help athletes get the maximum number of reps to master the skills they need to become players! Register online or contact Seth at SGR@aac1.org. Six-week session cost: $135 Tennis 101 – Co-ed Clinic SIX-WEEK SESSION: SUNDAYS, 11 A.M. – 12 P.M. No experience necessary, and you get a free racquet! This co-ed class combines the basics of movement, balance, and swing-shapes to build all the necessary skills for athletes to develop into PLAYERS. Come learn to play the game and get the training you need to really improve! Please email Coach Seth G. Redelheim at SGR@aac1.org Six-week session cost: $109 Tennis 201 – Co-ed Clinic SIX-WEEK SESSION: SUNDAYS, 12 – 1 P.M. Ready to play? Learn positioning, scoring, and basic tactics in this fun play-based class! Please email Coach Seth G. Redelheim at SGR@aac1.org Six-week session cost: $109

Friday: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Monday: 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Contact Coach Enock for more details and start dates Pickleball Night LET’S DINK TO THE NEW YEAR! FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 6:30 – 9 P.M. Register online or Contact Enock at EGG@aac1.org Get Ready to be Pickled! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 6:30 – 9 P.M. Register online or Contact Enock at EGG@aac1.org

November Paddle Battle Winners: Matthew Lee and Eden Jeong

Junior tennis

Junior Tournament Team Program for all players looking to play competitively on the Junior Circuit. This team will travel to tournament in the surrounding area and represent the AAC. TEAM PRACTICES: Monday, 6:30 – 8 p.m. (Coached by Coach Dominic Arbie and Coach Jeff Chandley) Tuesday, 5 – 7 p.m. (Match play where players will play against Coach Dominic and Coach Enock) Thursday, 5 – 7 p.m. (Drills with Coach Dominic)

MLK Day Camp Monday, January 17 10:30 - 3:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up $55 SCHOOL’S OUT! TENNIS IS IN! Come play fun tennis games and learn new techniques. We will break into groups based on age and skill levels. For our more advance players we will focus on conditioning, match play, and strategy. Pizza for lunch! Junior Weekly Clinic Schedule MOM & ME MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 3:30 – 4 P.M. PRE-RALLY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 4 – 5 P.M. RED BALL 3 MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 4 – 5 P.M. RED BALL 2 MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 4 – 5 P.M. RED BALL 1 MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 4 – 5 P.M. ORANGE BALL 3 MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 4 – 5:30 P.M. ORANGE BALL 2 TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 4 – 5:30 P.M. ORANGE BALL 1 MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 4 – 5:30 P.M. GREEN BALL 2 TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 5 – 6:30 P.M. GREEN BALL 1 TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 5 – 6:30 P.M.

YELLOW BALL 2 MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 5 – 7 P.M. YELLOW BALL 1 TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 5 – 7 P.M. Registration is always open!

To register or for more information on our Junior Program contact Coach Dominic at DJA@aac1.org or call the Tennis Center 770-368-7740. If a player cannot start at the beginning of the session, players can start at a different time and price will be prorated.

Molly Lee & Coach Dominic

Junior Golf

Thank You... TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT DURING THE 2021 JUNIOR GOLF FUNDRAISER! WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2021 JUNIOR GOLF FUNDRAISER! WHETHER AND DONOR OR BIDDER, YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT WILL HELP ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB CONTINUE TO GROW JUNIOR AND AMATEUR GOLF HERE AT THE CLUB AND IN THE SOUTHEAST. SOME WONDERFUL EVENTS THAT WERE MADE POSSIBLE IN 2021 BY THE JUNIOR GOLF FUNDRAISER WERE THE HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL, THE KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP JUNIOR CLINIC, AND THE HOSTING OF GEORGIA JUNIOR GOLF SKILLS CHALLENGE AND BEGINNER EVENT! WE ALSO WERE ABLE TO HOST MANY OF THE FINEST JR. GOLF EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY AT OUR CLUB WITH THE JR. RYDER CUP, AND THE JR. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE JR. BIG BREAK!

Upcoming Events The Par 3 Tour CONTINUES KICKS OFF ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 9TH AND CONTINUES WEEKLY! The 2022 Par 3 Tour kicks off on Sunday, January 9th! We will also begin taking sign-ups for the Par 3 Parent-Child and banquet on Sunday, March 6th followed by the Jr. Golf Awards Banquet that evening! This exciting event will feature Parent-Child teams competing in different divisions on the Par 3 Course. Following the competition that evening, the Jr. Golf Awards banquet will take place, where we will honor our fine junior golfers and also announce many of our exciting programs for 2022. We hope you can join us for this exciting event! 2022 Flying Eagles Golf League REGISTRATION BEGINS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 4TH! The AAC is proud to announce our Spring Flying Eagles Golf League! This fun program for boys and girls ages 8-12 brings a team atmosphere to golf and promises to be an educational, fun league that will provide a wonderful introduction to tournament golf for AAC juniors! All players that register will receive a team jersey and hat, 11 clinics, 7 matches and end of year awards and luncheon. The registration fee is $400 per player, and registration will be available online beginning Tuesday, January 4th. The league is limited to the first 40 students to register, so get your spot soon! 2022 Little Birdies League REGISTRATION BEGINS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 4TH! The AAC is proud to announce the return of our Spring Little Birdies Golf League!! This fun program for ages 5 - 7 will bring a team atmosphere to golf and promises to be an educational, fun league that will provide a wonderful introduction to golf for AAC juniors! No experience is required to join this league! All players that register will receive a team jersey and hat, 11 clinics, 7 matches and end of year awards and luncheon. The registration fee is $400 per player, and registration will be available online beginning Tuesday, January 4th! This league is limited to the first 30 students to register, so get your spot soon!