A New Standard: Taking a Look at the Storied History Behind The Standard Club
To say The Standard Club is rooted in history would be an understatement. The oldest social club in Atlanta was originally founded in 1867 when Atlanta was emerging from the charred ruins of the war between the States.
An outgrowth of the old Concordia Club, it wasn’t until 1904 that the club was reorganized as “The Standard Club.” Shortly after consummating the new name, the Atlanta Journal prophesized, “The auspices under which The Standard Club starts make it certain that the new Club will at once take high rank among the social organizations of the city. The members are great lovers of music, art and social pleasures, and it is certain the Standard will be the scene of many notable receptions and musicals.”
In the decades following, The Standard Club saw persistent growth, forcing Club leadership to make four major location moves. In 1987, The Standard Club relocated to its current address off Abbotts Bridge Road in Johns Creak, Georgia: a sprawling 300-acre tract of land just outside the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Today, The Standard Club is home to a 125,000-square-foot Clubhouse, encompassing amenities that span from banquet ballrooms and dining spaces to racquet ball courts, a nautilus weight room and an impressive four-court indoor tennis facility. Outside, the club boasts eleven tennis courts, seven of which are newly resurfaced clay, and four pickle-ball courts. A consistent member of the Top 20 courses in Georgia, The Standard Club’s 18-hole championship golf course snakes through the land’s native foliage, offering golf enthusiasts and novices alike a distinctive four season playing experience.
With a mission to build upon The Standard Club’s reputation as one of the best tennis facilities in the area, Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT) appointed Stewart Crerar as the Regional Director overseeing the Club. Crerar has extensive experience spearheading tennis programs for all ages and abilities. In May, Michael Holder was named Director of Tennis. He previously served as the Director of Tennis at The Clubs at Houston Oaks in Hockley, Texas.
Since taking over tennis operations in January, 2021, CDT has formalized program offerings including Junior Afterschool Sessions, Adult Beginner Tennis 101 and regular member events and HEAD Tennis demo days. Club members also made an appearance at Doubles Boot Camp, a CDT signature tennis camp held annually at Omni Amelia Island Resort in January and February.
“I recognized the passion in our members almost immediately,” notes Crerar. “It has been an honor to help lead the program in a direction members can be proud of for decades to come.”
There is certainly something to be said for the treasured heritage The Standard Club represents. But perhaps, there is even more to say for the Club’s commitment to continuing that legacy through amenities, experiences and memories that consistently exceed expectations for members and guests.