“My wife Sylvia and I have renovated 20 homes in the East Lake area since the area reclamation began [in the 1990’s].”

“My wife Sylvia and I have renovated 20 homes in the East Lake area since the area reclamation began [in the 1990s].”

The massive renovation of East Lake Golf Club is nearing its completion, in time for the August Tour Championship.

Led by architect Andrew Green — who is well known for his Donald Ross course renovations — East Lake will recapture the look and playability of 80 years ago.

It's impossible to look at a celebration of the past without thinking of a neighborhood legend who lives right outside the course, across the street, on Alston Drive, inside a 168-year-old antebellum home built by Col. Robert A. Alston.

“Hey Jeff Hullinger, how’s it going?”

Charlie Harrison is 93. He was clutching a hickory shafted putter the day I visited, extending his right hand with a firm handshake, and possessing a sparkle in his eyes.

“Mr. Harrison,” I asked, “Does Col. Alston’s ghost still reside in this home and property? I know he was determined to reform Georgia’s prison system; and was shot dead at a barbershop downtown by Ed Cox, who leased prisoners for work.”

Harrison, laughing, replies: “Oh yeah, he is here all right. We had a Catholic priest bless our house, and rid us of all spirits — except the Colonel’s. He was excluded from the prayer, and is here without doubt.”

Charlie Harrison’s biography is a history of 20th century Atlanta. He is a Georgia golf deity: a career amateur who is in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, qualified for the U.S. Amateur 16 times, played in two Masters, and led the First Tee Program.

The home was built in 1856. The floors are heart pine, high ceilings and winding staircases with banisters marked by Union so

The home was built in 1856. The floors are heart pine, high ceilings and winding staircases with banisters marked by Union soldier rifle butts during the Battle of Atlanta in 1864.

A painting of Col. Alston — lawyer, soldier, thinker — hangs above the Harrison fireplace. The kitchen used to be the back porch. The butcher block was rescued from East Lake Golf Club.

“Bobby Jones ate steaks that were cut on this block,” Harrison said. “Now, it is just art we keep. We don’t use it.”

The home was built in 1856. The floors are heart pine, high ceilings and winding staircases with banisters marked by Union soldier rifle butts during the Battle of Atlanta in 1864.

There is so much to see in the home: folk art, golf memorabilia, antiques, artifacts, books, and fixtures more than a century old.

“My wife Sylvia and I have renovated 20 homes in the East Lake area since the area reclamation began [in the 1990s].”

Atlanta developer Tom Cousins (Harrison’s cousin) devised the East Lake Foundation, creating Purpose Built Communities and restoring the golf course to its former glory.

“Do you remember the first time you saw and met the great Bob Jones across the street?" I asked Harrison.

Charlie Harrison in the 1940s, being honored by Bobby Jones - Patron Saint of East Lake.

Charlie Harrison in the 1940s, being honored by Bobby Jones - Patron Saint of East Lake.

“My daddy said, 'if you ever see Bobby Jones practicing, don’t bother him or speak to him. Just watch him. You’ll learn, he is the greatest golfer to have ever lived.

"He would practice in front of what is now #10, hitting balls into the 18th fairway. He spoke to us: 'How are you doing? Are you playing?'

"My first meeting was unforgettable. He was such a gracious person.”

And of course, Harrison will forever be remembered for a round he played at Augusta National on April 1, 1960.

Friday before Masters Week, a practice round with Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and the Australian Norman Von Nida.

“Arnold approached me about playing with Mr. Hogan for money. I agreed and introduced myself in the locker room to the great man. He never looked up,” Harrison recalled with a smile.

Charlie Harrison fired a 65, beating Palmer by 8, Hogan by 7 and Von Nida by 9.

“At the turn, Mr. Hogan asked me where we stood in our bet—- 'you are down 4.' I shot 31 to Hogan's 35."

The immortal Texan paused, then with his deep bass voice declared: “Then I guess, I better press you on the back side.”

Harrison replied immediately, looking at Mr. Hogan: “I wish I had a recording of that.”

Victory at Augusta that day meant winning $10 from Hogan and $25 from Palmer on a team bet.

What’s it like living across the street from East Lake Golf Club?

Thousands of stories.

“Looking at the house from the fence was Clint Eastwood. After he played, he wanted to come inside.”

Another avid golfer, the late Sean Connery —  James Bond 007 — also wanted to see the second-oldest house in Atlanta.

Charlie Harrison is an Atlanta treasure. His recollections are ever-amazing and rich with detail.

The Tour Championship rolls through Atlanta in late August, with a new look, old course — -but not as old as Harrison’s home, known as Meadow Nook, built in 1856. Now it serves as a visual backdrop to a local life as great as the Harrison golf swing.

Charlie Harrison with the Charlie Harrison Golf Scholars

Charlie Harrison with the Charlie Harrison Golf Scholars