Club Times: September/October 2022

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Re-Instating a New Tradition YATES CUP MATCH 2022 In 2018, the Inaugural Yates Cup Match between Atlanta Athletic Club and Royal Troon Golf in 1938. He made such a positive impression with his kind nature and contagious smile that he was gifted an Honorary Membership.

Club was hosted in Johns Creek, Georgia; and in July of 2022 Scotland returned the favor. While the match was originally intended to occur every two years at alternating locations, Royal Troon Golf Club had to wait two years more to host due to COVID. “These traditions between the AAC and overseas golf clubs are unique and special,” says Atlanta Athletic Club Member and Yates Cup participant, Jack Vance. “We have a long history of fostering golf relationships with historical golf clubs around the world, and it’s an honor to represent the AAC and continue to promote our great club.” The inspiration behind this intercontinental competition begins with the clubs’ mutual appreciation for Charlie Yates – a friend, protégé, and young contemporary of Bobby Jones. As an Atlanta local and Georgia Tech graduate, Yates was just as well known for his good heart as he was for his golf game. Not only did he compete in the first ever Masters Tournament in 1934, but after retirement he committed much of his time to fundraising and leadership roles throughout the growing Atlanta arts community, supporting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and what would later be known as the Woodruff Arts Center. Yates gained popularity overseas after he won the British Amateur Championship at Royal Troon

July’s Atlanta Athletic Club 10-man team featured Bruce Barfield, Jack Vance, Kevin Costello, Davis Stewart, Richard Grice, Steve Craine, DeWitt Weaver, Don Allen, Mike Manning, and Chris Bachelder. At the end of the week, Atlanta Athletic Club remained Yates Club Match Champions, but the trophy will remain at the Royal Troon due to its extended stay in Johns Creek over the last three years.. “It’s cool, wet and windy. High temperature for our week is 60-65 Fahrenheit with 10- 25 mph winds. Challenging,” said Vance in anticipation of their visit to Royal Troon. “But, the camaraderie from this event is what it’s all about!” For each competition, the matches consist of foursome and fourball matches.