The Tour Championship, the PGA Tour’s season-finale event, has been generating buzz this week due to the challenging renovations at East Lake Golf Club. One of the most talked-about changes is the new par-5 18th hole, which has been giving players like Scottie Scheffler a tough time. Scheffler even considered taking an alternative route down the 10th hole to make it easier to birdie.
However, the tour announced on Wednesday that internal out-of-bounds have been instituted on the 10th fairway for players tackling the 18th hole, as well as on the seventh fairway for those playing the sixth hole. The decision to implement internal OB came after players expressed their intentions to avoid the 18th hole, prompting the tour to take action to ensure fair play.
The reshaping of the fairway on the 18th hole has made it a difficult target to hit, with little room for error. Players who stray into the rough face challenging recovery shots over water hazards and narrow fairways, making scoring birdies a daunting task. Scheffler noted that the green on the 18th hole is particularly tricky to hold, especially with long clubs on a downslope, limiting opportunities for eagles.
While rare, the tour has previously implemented internal OB measures during tournament weeks in response to player strategies that could compromise safety or fairness. One notable instance was after Bryson DeChambeau’s viral drive over a lake at Bay Hill’s par-5 sixth led to discussions of using a different fairway at TPC Sawgrass. Subsequently, the ninth fairway was ruled out of play during the Players Championship.
In light of safety concerns for spectators, players, caddies, and staff at East Lake Golf Club, the PGA Tour Rules Committee has set internal boundaries for this week’s Tour Championship. The seventh fairway is considered out of bounds for players on the sixth hole, while the 10th fairway is out of bounds for those playing the 18th hole. Chief Referee Gary Young emphasized that the decision was made to prevent players from risking the safety of others by taking alternate routes. When safety is a concern, establishing internal boundaries becomes necessary.
Overall, the implementation of internal out-of-bounds at East Lake’s Tour Championship has sparked discussion among players and golf enthusiasts alike. By taking measures to ensure fair play and safety, the PGA Tour continues to uphold the integrity of the game while challenging players to adapt to new course conditions. As the tournament unfolds, players will need to navigate the course strategically to overcome the obstacles presented by East Lake’s revamped layout and internal OB designations.
