ATLANTA — The East Lake Golf Club has hosted the annual PGA Tour Championship since 2004, but according to published reports, the championship will rotate to other sites starting in 2028.
Atlanta News First and the Associated Press report the move is part of a shakeup intended to improve the competition.
There are still details to be worked out, but area residents already are concerned about how the move will impact the community.
“I live in the neighborhood. I have friends in town. The businesses thrive. It’s a loss for the community for sure,” East Lake resident Pam Livingston told ANF. “The streets are all shut down, there’s tons of people. The Publix, all the restaurants, they get a boom from it. It’s definitely going to impact everyone.”
Former professional golfer John Huban, a Decatur resident, told ANF he was surprised by the decision.
“Surprised they’re moving it around,” Huban said. “I’m not sure how they’ll be able to top what they can offer at East Lake.”
Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari is “discouraged” by the change.
“For over two decades, the Championship has been far more than a golf tournament; it has served as an active partner in one of the most successful community revitalization efforts in this country – driving charitable investments, expanding youth programming, and strengthening our surrounding neighborhoods,” Bakhtiari told ANF.
The East Lake Golf Club will still have an opportunity to host future championships under the new system.
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