Atlanta has long been a cornerstone of American golf, producing players whose achievements resonate nationally and internationally. The city has nurtured talent across multiple generations, from early amateurs to modern PGA stars, creating a strong local culture around the sport.
Courses, universities, and community support have all contributed to the growth of golfers who have achieved remarkable success. Examining ten golfers connected to Atlanta demonstrates how the city has consistently fostered excellence, professionalism, and dedication. These individuals show how Atlanta’s influence extends beyond the course, shaping the sport and inspiring new generations of players.
1. Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones, born in Atlanta in 1902, is widely regarded as the city’s most legendary golfer. A child prodigy at East Lake Golf Club, he remained an amateur throughout his career. Between 1923 and 1930, Jones competed in 31 major tournaments, finishing first or second in more than half.
His crowning achievement, the 1930 Grand Slam, saw him win all four major tournaments in a single year. Beyond competition, Jones co-founded the Masters Tournament and helped design Augusta National Golf Club. With degrees from Georgia Tech and Emory University, he exemplified skill, integrity, and leadership both on and off the course.
Bobby Jones2. Louise Suggs
Louise Suggs, an Atlanta native born in 1923, made history by co-founding the LPGA Tour in 1950. At a time when professional opportunities for women were scarce, Suggs established herself as a dominant player with 61 professional victories, including 11 major championships.
Beyond winning, she worked tirelessly to create a professional environment where female golfers could compete and thrive. The LPGA honors her contributions with the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award. Suggs’ career shows how dedication, talent, and vision can shape the sport, creating long-lasting opportunities for women golfers nationwide.
Louise Suggs3. Stewart Cink
Stewart Cink is a modern PGA Tour star with deep ties to Atlanta. A Georgia Tech alumnus and lifelong resident, he has eight career victories, including a dramatic 2009 Open Championship playoff win against Tom Watson at Turnberry.
Cink is known for steady and reliable play and has represented the United States in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup competitions. Even in 2026, he continues to compete successfully on both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. Cink’s career illustrates how a supportive local community can provide a foundation for sustained professional achievement at the highest level.
Stewart Cink4. Matt Kuchar
Matt Kuchar represents consistency and precision in professional golf. Another Georgia Tech graduate, he has nine PGA Tour victories, including the 2012 Players Championship, and has maintained top-10 world rankings for years. Kuchar is known for his deliberate, methodical approach, trademark smile, and sportsmanship.
He has also represented the United States in multiple team competitions. Residing in Atlanta, Kuchar continues to be a respected figure in the sport. His career demonstrates the impact of strong local foundations and training, proving how the city produces athletes who combine skill, focus, and longevity on the professional stage.
Matt Kuchar5. Chris Kirk
Chris Kirk moved to the Atlanta area and became a standout golfer at the University of Georgia. Known for his steady and consistent play, he has earned multiple PGA Tour victories. After overcoming personal challenges, Kirk returned to competitive golf and achieved renewed success, demonstrating resilience and focus.
His participation in the TGL’s Atlanta Drive GC team reflects a strong connection to the local golfing community. Kirk’s story highlights the combination of professional achievement and local engagement. His career shows that Atlanta provides a supportive environment where talented players can develop, recover, and reach their full potential.
Chris Kirk6. Alexa Stirling
Alexa Stirling, an Atlanta native, was a dominant female amateur golfer during the early 20th century. She won the U.S. Women’s Amateur championship in 1916, 1919, and 1920 and was part of the “Dixie Kids” alongside Bobby Jones. During World War I, Stirling toured with Jones, participating in exhibition matches to raise money for the Red Cross.
Her success in women’s amateur golf strengthened Atlanta’s reputation as a center for skilled players. Stirling demonstrated both competitive excellence and civic responsibility, showing how early Atlanta golfers combined talent with leadership to make a lasting impact on the sport.
Alexa Stirling7. Larry Nelson
Larry Nelson, though originally from Alabama, spent most of his life in the Atlanta area. He began playing golf only after serving in the Vietnam War, but quickly rose to prominence. Nelson won 10 PGA Tour titles, including three major championships: the 1981 PGA Championship and the 1983 and 1987 U.S. Opens.
He also captured the Atlanta Classic three times. Known for his precise iron play, Nelson is an example of how dedication and skill can produce success even when starting later than most. His career reflects Atlanta’s ability to support athletes who achieve greatness through determination and focus.
Larry Nelson8. Billy Andrade
Billy Andrade has been a major contributor to Atlanta’s golf community for more than three decades. Originally from Rhode Island, he became deeply involved locally, earning four PGA Tour victories and continuing success on the PGA Tour Champions. Beyond his competitive achievements, Andrade is known for his charitable efforts and was inducted into the Georgia State Golf Hall of Fame.
His career demonstrates how Atlanta has nurtured golfers who combine professional accomplishments with community leadership. Andrade exemplifies the city’s capacity to produce well-rounded athletes who make meaningful contributions both on the course and off.
Billy Andrade9. Tommy Aaron
Tommy Aaron, a Gainesville, Georgia native and University of Georgia graduate, made his mark by winning the 1973 Masters Tournament. He also finished second in several major championships, showing consistent performance at the highest level. Aaron’s achievements highlight the talent emerging from Georgia and the Atlanta region.
His career serves as an example for aspiring golfers and emphasizes how local support, education, and training can produce championship-level players. Aaron’s victory remains a source of pride for the state, demonstrating Atlanta’s long-standing presence in professional golf and its ability to cultivate national champions.
Tommy Aaron10. Brendon Todd
Brendon Todd, an Atlanta resident and University of Georgia alumnus, overcame career challenges to achieve multiple PGA Tour wins. Known for exceptional putting and strategic play, Todd experienced a resurgence in which he won three tournaments in just over a year. He trains and competes in Atlanta while maintaining strong ties to the local golf community.
Todd’s journey illustrates the value of persistence and focus, showing that setbacks do not prevent renewed success. He represents the current generation of Atlanta-connected golfers who achieve national recognition while continuing to contribute to the city’s vibrant sporting culture.
Brendon ToddAtlanta’s connection to golf spans generations, producing players who have made lasting impacts on the sport. From Bobby Jones to Brendon Todd, each golfer has combined talent, dedication, and a sense of community to achieve success. The city has consistently provided the training, support, and opportunities needed to develop champions.
These ten figures highlight Atlanta’s ongoing influence on professional and amateur golf alike. By fostering skilled athletes and community leaders, the city remains a central hub for golf, shaping the game and inspiring players who continue to make a mark nationally and internationally.
