PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan paid tribute to Tom Cousins, the visionary leader behind the East Lake Foundation, who died on Tuesday, July 29, in Florida at the age of 93 after hospitalization. The PGA tribute to Tom Cousins highlighted his lasting impact on Atlanta through his philanthropic and real estate contributions.

Cousins was widely recognized for his restoration of the East Lake Golf Club and for spearheading the revitalization of its surrounding neighborhood, transforming a struggling area into an acclaimed example of urban renewal. His work also helped establish East Lake as the permanent venue for the TOUR Championship starting in 1998, with the FedExCup Playoffs finale moving there in 2004. Over the years, this tournament has contributed more than $63 million to charities based in Atlanta, including the East Lake Foundation.

Jay Monahan shared a photo of Cousins on his official X account and expressed his admiration, writing:

“It’s difficult for me to find words that adequately pay tribute to a man who, throughout his 93 years, sought to make a difference and improve the lives of those around him. Mr. Cousins was a visionary and a man who had the unique ability to imagine what something could become and then make it happen. Our partnership with Tom and the East Lake Foundation will have a lasting impact and we look forward to honoring and celebrating him at this year’s tournament. We will miss Tom greatly and will cherish the memories we have of him. We grieve with his family and share our condolences.” —Jay Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner

Tom Cousins’ Contributions to Sports and Business

Tom Cousins served as CEO of Cousins Properties until 2002 before stepping down as chairman of the board in 2006, steering the company through years of significant growth. His influence on Atlanta’s sports scene was notable; in 1968, he purchased the St. Louis Hawks for just over $2 million and relocated the team to Atlanta, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s sports history. Later, in 1972, he introduced professional hockey to Atlanta by buying an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL expansion franchise that became the Atlanta Flames.

Cousins sold the Hawks to Ted Turner in 1977, and by 1980, the Flames were also sold and eventually moved to Calgary. These moves firmly established him as a key figure in the development of Atlanta’s professional sports franchises and helped grow the city’s profile in the national sports landscape.

Transforming Communities Through Philanthropy

Beyond his business and sports ventures, Cousins devoted much of his life to community revitalization. In 1963, alongside his wife Ann, he founded the Cousins Foundation, which emphasized charitable giving and local development. His most significant philanthropic achievement came in 1995 with the creation of the East Lake Foundation, aimed at restoring the historic East Lake Golf Club, once the home course of golf legend Bobby Jones, and rejuvenating the surrounding neighborhood.

This project evolved from preserving golf heritage into a comprehensive community renewal program, blending housing, education, and social services to foster sustainable improvements. The East Lake Foundation continues to serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide. Each year, the Tom Cousins Award, presented at the East Lake Cup collegiate match-play event, recognizes one male and one female player who

best exemplify civic, community and philanthropic qualities.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Tom Cousins’ passing marks the loss of a visionary whose efforts reshaped Atlanta’s physical and social landscape. The PGA tribute to Tom Cousins ensures his commitment to community and sport will be remembered and celebrated, particularly during the annual tournament held at East Lake. His leadership in urban renewal and philanthropy leaves a lasting blueprint for future generations dedicated to positive change.