Country Club of Birmingham

The East Course at the Country Club of Birmingham represents a collaboration between two architects working decades apart. Donald Ross designed the original layout in the 1920s during his prolific period of course construction across the American South. John LaFoy later contributed renovations and modifications that updated the design while maintaining its foundational character. The course sits in the rolling terrain characteristic of the Birmingham area, where elevation changes and natural contours provide the framework for strategic golf. Ross's design principles remain evident in the routing, which takes advantage of the property's topography to create variety in hole presentation and shot requirements. The greens feature the subtle interior contours and false fronts typical of Ross's work, demanding precise approach play and thoughtful putting. LaFoy's involvement helped adapt the course to modern equipment and maintenance practices while preserving the strategic elements that define the original design. The Country Club of Birmingham has served as the primary club for the city's established families since its founding in the early twentieth century. The club maintains a traditional membership culture focused on golf, tennis, and social activities. The East Course hosts regular member competitions and has occasionally served as a venue for state and regional amateur championships, reflecting its standing among Alabama's private clubs.