History
In 1985, when Jack Nicklaus came to Atlanta to build his first golf course, he was seeking a special place to create one of his masterpieces. In his search for something unique, he found a gated community called The Country Club of the South waiting for his genius. Partnering with development owner, Bob Sierra, Mr. Nicklaus began his project, and by 1987 the first nine holes were ready for play.
As Mr. Nicklaus and The Country Club of the South's first Head Professional, Doug Grove headed down the first fairway, Mr. Nicklaus knew he created something special. Six months later, he returned to complete his 18 holes by playing the back nine and calling it one of his finest efforts. To reward the charter Members, Mr. Nicklaus gave each Member an exact replica of the wooden driver he used to win his last Masters. The golf pro shop also became famous as numerous people wanted logo merchandise from Mr. Nicklaus' first Atlanta venture.
The Country Club of the South quickly became an instant success with players at all levels. Half the original Members of the Club came from miles away to be part of this spectacular course. In 1991, the Champions tour made The Country Club of the South one of its annual tournaments. Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, the course enjoyed three wonderful years hosting such players as Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Bob Murphy and many more outstanding professionals. The tournament's champions included Isao Aoki, Lee Trevino and Dave Stockton. As a matter of, record the second hole on the course was voted by the senior players as the toughest hole to play on the senior circuit. This was evident in the first practice round when both Mr. Player and Mr. Trevino made 7's on the hole.
Realizing the need to be a premier club in the area, the Club embarked on a major renovation of the fairways, practice facilities and tees. Investing an additional $5 million, the course was brought up to premier status. As part of the renovation, the Club partnered with Mizuno Corporation to construct the most modern, up-to-date and high-tech training facility in the area.
Today, The Country Club of the South is host to nearly 400 golfing Members. With five outstanding teaching professionals on hand as well as a magnificent practice facility and training center, The Country Club of the South remains a wonderful choice for new and existing Members.
Leanne Strickland
Member Experience Director
Serving since 2021
About Leanne
Leanne was born and raised in small town Chickamauga, GA. She received her BA in Marketing from the University of West Georgia in 2010 and enjoyed her first job at a local radio station in Chattanooga as a Sponsorship Coordinator – she even recorded a few commercials and helped many non-profits plan events. Leanne previously worked as Membership Coordinator for four years at Black Creek Golf Club in Chattanooga and two years in Florida at St. Joe Clubs – Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, Camp Creek, WaterSound Beach Club. She is excited to join the team at Country Club of the South to bring many fresh and fun events to our members! Leanne enjoys her free time reading a good book series, spending time with family, her dog, Bennie and hunkerin’ down in the fall with her beloved Georgia Bulldawgs.
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