Back in 2005, East Lake Golf Club of Atlanta, Georgia, was designated the permanent home of the Tour Championship. A legendary golf course that would not be what it is today without the support, vision, and efforts of Tom Cousins and the Cousins Foundations.
With the passing of 93-year-old Tom Cousins on July 29th, 2025 it’s important to acknowledge and honor a man who leaves behind a legacy. Not only did he positively impact the golf community, but his efforts extend to cities across the United States. Well known for his impressive business career and longterm success, outside of this, Cousins was also a philanthropist. He leaves a lasting mark on Atlanta, golf, and the entirety of America.
East Lake Golf Club
Originally established in 1904, East Lake Golf Club is the oldest golf course in Atlanta. The home course of Bobby Jones, this historic location does not shy away from improvements and upgrades for better play. A recent renovation in 2024 was successfully led by architect Andrew Green. Cousins and Green aimed to restore the course to the Donald Ross design of 1913, paying homage to its history.
Other recent additions include the newly launched East Lake Junior Golf Academy. This academy offers an increase in golf opportunities while supporting confidence, talent, and pathways to success for young golfers.
More notable programs introduced over the years include the First Tee Metro Atlanta, a year round golf mentoring program for local youth and the Charlie Yates Golf Course. The Charlie Yates Golf Course is a 9-hole mid-length course. It mixes Par 3’s and 4’s alongside views of Atlanta for fun but challenging play.
East Lake Foundation
The East Lake Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Tom Cousins and his wife Ann Cousins, in 1995. At the time, Cousins was shaping the Atlanta skyline and became aware of the deterioration of East Lake Golf Club and the community around it. In the middle of a dangerous neighborhood, Cousins decided to purchase the course and redevelop it alongside the surrounding area, starting with the rejuvenation of the course. This is when his mission “Golf with a Purpose” began. It included breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and revitalizing the community through support and opportunity.
Cousins implemented a variety of programs alongside golf initiatives in the area to keep the neighborhood vibrant and growing. He set an example that many other cities later followed with the founding of the Purpose Built Communities in 2011. This organization was supported through donations from business moguls such as Warren Buffet and Julian Robertson.
Golf World in Mourning
With the passing of Tom Cousins prior to the 2025 Tour Championship, PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan commented on this year’s event.
“It’s difficult for me to find words that adequately pay tribute to a man who, throughout his 93 years, sought to make a difference and improve the lives of those around him,” said Monahan.
“Mr. Cousins was a visionary and a man who had the unique ability to imagine what something could become and then make it happen. Our partnership with Tom and the East Lake Foundation will have a lasting impact and we look forward to honoring and celebrating him at this year’s tournament. We will miss Tom greatly and will cherish the memories we have of him. We grieve with his family and share our condolences.”
This year’s Tour Championship will be the 25th occurrence at East Lake. Viewers can tune in August 20th through the 24th and pay respects their respects to Tom Cousins alongside the rest of the golf community.
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