Battling the field at the buckhead best ball

Bobby Jones Golf Course - Atlanta, GA

Last weekend, a buddy of mine and I teed it up in a two-day, two-man best ball tournament at Atlanta’s Bobby Jones Golf Course. It was a gross-scoring event with 30 teams, and the field was stacked — current and former college players, plus plenty of sticks.

The Course

Bobby Jones Golf Course carries a rich legacy. Originally opened in 1932 as Atlanta’s first public golf course and a tribute to one of the game’s legends, it eventually fell behind the times. Thanks to the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation, the property has been completely reimagined.

The centerpiece is a reversible nine-hole layout designed by the late Bob Cupp — the first of its kind — which plays as 18 unique holes depending on the routing. Add in the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, state-of-the-art practice facilities, and programs for juniors and adaptive golf, and the course has become a true hub for golf in Georgia. It’s more than just a track — it’s a community centerpiece, backed by over $30 million in investment and passion for preserving Bobby’s legacy.

Day 1:

The tournament staff had everything dialed in from the start. Swag included a sharp polo and a ball marker to commemorate the event — a nice touch that set the tone for a well-run weekend.

After check-in, we headed to the range, where a section was roped off for tournament warm-ups. The nerves built with each swing as I went through my pre-round routine. The greens were rolling quick during putting practice, but my stroke felt solid. Confidence was high walking to the first tee.

“Next on the tee for the Buckhead Best Ball, we have Kevin Quigley.” Naturally, I was the first to tee off in the group. A tight Par 5 greeted us — the first hole on the Azalea 9. Feeling good after the range session, I teed the ball a little lower, planning a fairway finder. Instead, the ball clipped the tall grass, turned into a low stinger, and dove into the creek. First swing, lost ball, double bogey. Ouch.

After opening double, par, double, I settled down and played the last six holes at +1 to card a 41. My partner Austin picked up the slack, rolling in a clutch 30-footer for birdie en route to a 39. Together we finished +1 on the day.

The competition was no joke. We played with two former UGA golfers who once teed it up alongside Chris Kirk and Kevin Kisner. At one point, one of them cut the most outrageous shot I’ve ever seen — high over the trees and internal OB, landing safely in the fairway. He then stuck the approach on the fringe and drained a 20-foot eagle putt. He casually posted -2 on his own ball that day.

Day 2:

Saturday night college football — plus a few beverages — meant Sunday’s swing felt a little… slower.

This time, though, I found rhythm early and opened with a string of pars. The putter cooled off, leading to a couple of sloppy bogeys, but the shot of the day came at the Par 4 7th on Magnolia.

It’s a dogleg right over a large pond, with trouble left the whole way. After watching one opponent dunk it in the water and another send it into the woods, my partner pulled one left too. No pressure…

I grabbed 5-wood. Topped it. Worst shot of the day — maybe 100 yards total. At least it was in the fairway. From 240 out, I pulled 5-wood again (though we were still not on speaking terms). Aiming left to keep the pond out of play, I pushed it. The ball climbed, carried, and somehow landed on the green, rolling out to 20 feet. If I had a highlight reel, this would be the first clip. Two putts later, par saved.

I finished with a 39, Austin with a 41. It felt like better golf overall, but both of us rinsed one on the closing ninth. We finished +2 on the day, +3 total.

Final Thoughts:

The tournament was first-class from start to finish. The Bobby Jones team and ground crew deserve major credit — the course was pure, and the facilities top-notch.

We ended up T18 out of 30 teams, finishing at +3. Not the result we hoped for, but a solid first crack at a competitive gross-scoring event against a loaded field. Two teams finished at -7 and went to a playoff for the title.

Would we do it again? Absolutely. Even with too many bogeys and not enough birdies, it was an awesome experience. Next time, maybe fewer drinks and more fairways. (Okay, probably not fewer drinks.)

Ball marker from The Buckhead Best Ball