Club History
In 1894, working at the height of his powers, Frederick Law Olmsted, the greatest landscape architect in American history, crafted from the rolling contours of a forest on Atlanta's east side a new neighborhood of oak canopied streets and public parks and promenades that would become renowned for its natural beauty and historic significance. At the heart of this community, Olmsted set aside 180 pristine acres graced by three streams and tall hardwoods as the site of a future golf course that would stretch between the neo-classical campus of Emory University and the wide, park-lined boulevard of Ponce de Leon Avenue.
As a Club, we value our history and traditions as the foundation for our future.
Club History
1912
DHGC Founded
On September 24, 1912, sixty prominent Atlanta citizens signed a petition for incorporation of the Druid HIlls Golf Club, and the charter was granted on May 22, 1913.
1912
H.H. Barker, Golf Architect
The golf course at Druid Hills was designed by Englishman H.H. Barker, winner of the Irish Open in 1906. Barker became a golf course designer after moving to the U.S. in 1908. Barker was one of the best known golf experts in the United States, and the winner of the 1911 professional tournament at East Lake. Among his first designs was Columbia Country Club outside Washington, D.C., still one of the premier clubs in that area. Atlanta's Capital City Club course, originally known as Brookhaven Country Club, was also a Barker design. Mr. Barker spent several weeks on the grounds and after completing the plans stated, "This course will be the best in the South as there are no parallel fair greens and cross holes. There are two beautiful streams meandering through the course and many other natural hazards."
1913
Notable Founding Members
Among the first members of the club were many prominent Atlantans, whose names are still attached to city features, including Asa Candler, John Grant, Edward Inman, Joseph Orme, and Ernest Woodruff. Founding member C.V. Rainwater served as president of the Georgia State Golf Association from 1934 to 1936. Lowery Arnold, a member of the club's first board of directors, served as president of the Southern Golf Association from 1930 to 1933.
1915
Bobby Jones, Club Champion
In August 1915, thirteen-year-old Bobby Jones, a junior member at Druid Hills, won the club championship, one of many tournament victories that would lead to Jones' achievement as the only winner of golf's Grand Slam.
1924
The Clubhouse Fire
The clubhouse burst into flames in the early afternoon of Friday, May 9, 1924, apparently due to defective wiring near the roof. Property damage totaled approximately $100,000. The clubhouse was promptly rebuilt. A comparison of early photos of the clubhouse prior to its destruction in 1924 and photos of the reconstructed building show little difference in appearance. The new design was essentially the same except the new clubhouse was made fireproof. The new clubhouse formally opened Wednesday evening, July 1, 1925 with a formal dinner dance attended by 450 people.
1936
Druid Hills Women’s Golf Association
In 1936 the Druid Hills Women’s Golf Association was organized. Mrs. Arthur Mims appeared before the Board of Directors, requesting that the ladies be allowed to form their own golf association. Permission was granted and Mrs. Henry Barrow served as the association’s first President. Mrs. Colleen Butler was the first women’s club champion.
1938
Tommy Barnes
Champion golfer Tommy Barnes, who joined the club as a Junior member in 1938, brought glory to Druid Hills Golf Club. He was the first winner of the Dogwood Tournament three years after he joined the club. Tommy Barnes later won the 1946 Southeastern Open, as well as the Southern Amateur in 1947 in Louisville, Kentucky, a victory he repeated in 1949. During his playing career at Druid Hills, Barnes shot two 62s.
1941
The Dogwood Invitational
The Dogwood Invitational Tournament, held annually at Druid Hills from 1941 to 1972 drew many of the finest amateur golfers in the United States to Atlanta. The history of the tournament is both interesting and unique. It was organized by a committee composed of Harry Stephens (Golf Pro), Jimmy Wilson (President), and Dr. Julius Hughes. In Dr. Hughes’ own words, "prior to 1941 the accepted amateur tournament was medal qualifying and match play elimination. It was an accepted fact that the lack of experience in medal play was responsible for many fine amateur golfers failing to qualify in various tournaments; so it was decided to hold the "Dogwood" early in the Spring as a medal competition, and thus better prepare the amateurs for the following qualifying rounds in regularly scheduled sections, state and local tournaments. It was regarded as a method of establishing the best golfer during this particular event. The subsequent trend in amateur tournaments to this type of play could very well be traced to the first "Dogwood".
2003
Golf Course Renovation
The golf course was extensively renovated in 2003 by famed golf course architect Bob Cupp, whose charter was to return the property to its original Golden Era design. The renovation continues to allow members and their guests to experience Druid Hill's gracious green spaces through 100 years of history, friendship and family.
2012
Centennial Celebration
Druid Hills Golf Club celebrated its 100th birthday in a year long celebration! Members participated in events that celebrated our rich history and tradition, including history lectures, wooden racquet tennis matches and hickory golf tournaments.
