The Tour Championship venue East Lake has undergone an extensive restoration led by Andrew Green. The par 5 18th hole has seen significant changes, including an expanded lake in front of the green and the removal of trees separating the 18th and 10th fairways. In the lead-up to the tournament, players experimented with playing down the 10th fairway during practice rounds to lay up more effectively. However, the PGA Tour announced that the fairway on the 10th would be internal out of bounds during play on the 18th, citing safety concerns.
The PGA Tour explained that the decision to establish internal boundaries was made for the safety of spectators, players, and everyone on the property at East Lake Golf Club. The goal is to prevent players from putting people in harm’s way by taking an alternate route. Chief Referee Gary Young emphasized the importance of safety in making this decision, especially when the potential for harm is present. Players will need to adjust their strategies due to these new internal boundaries on the course.
Scottie Scheffler, who will have a starting score two shots ahead of Xander Schauffele, discussed the reshaping of the fairway on the 10th and why he considered using it during the tournament. The difficulty of the fairway and the limited options for laying up influenced players’ decisions to explore alternate routes. However, with the 10th fairway now out of bounds during play on the 18th, players will have to rethink their strategies. Xander Schauffele also considered using the 10th fairway as a safer option but will need to adjust his approach following the PGA Tour’s decision.
The PGA Tour’s decision on safety grounds has forced players to reconsider their tactics and prepare for a competition on a vastly altered course. The changes at East Lake, including the troublesome 18th hole, will present new challenges to players in this year’s Tour Championship. With the internal boundaries in place, players will need to navigate the course strategically to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of everyone involved. The restoration led by Andrew Green has transformed the East Lake course, creating a new dynamic for players and spectators alike. By understanding the reasoning behind the PGA Tour’s decisions, players can adapt their game plans accordingly to compete effectively at the Tour Championship.
