2024 Tour Championship at a “Brand New” East Lake Golf Club
The 2024 PGA Tour Championship, held at the iconic East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. As the final event of the season, this tournament features the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings. They are competing for not just the prestigious title but also the substantial financial reward that comes with it.
This year’s event promises to be a high-stakes battle as the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings vie for the ultimate prize: $25 Million check to the eventual winner of the Fed Ex Cup Championship. The FedEx Cup Playoffs have been a roller-coaster ride, with players battling it out across three events to secure their place in the Tour Championship. The field is now whittled down to the elite, each player carrying a different starting stroke based on their FedEx Cup ranking.
The Tour Championship Basics:
- Date: August 29 to September 1, 2024
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Course: East Lake Golf Club (Par 71)
- Previous Winner: Viktor Hovland
Course Overview
East Lake Golf Club, a historic venue with a rich tradition, is the permanent home of the Tour Championship. This par-71 course stretches over 7,346 yards, demanding precision and strategy. The layout is challenging, with tight fairways, thick Bermuda rough, and fast, undulating greens. Key holes include the par-3 15th, known for its treacherous green, and the closing par-5 18th, which often provides dramatic finishes.
The course’s design favors strong ball strikers who can navigate the challenging fairways and find the correct sections of the greens. Historically, players who excel in strokes gained: tee-to-green, and strokes gained: approach have fared well at East Lake. It’s also worth noting that the course’s Bermuda grass greens can be tricky, making putting a critical factor in determining the winner.
A Brief History of East Lake Golf Club:
- Established in 1904: East Lake Golf Club holds the distinction of being the oldest golf course in Atlanta, Georgia. Imagine the whispers of hickory-shafted clubs and the swish of knickerbockers as golfers of yore strolled these very grounds.
- Bobby Jones Connection: If golf had a Mount Rushmore, Bobby Jones would be right up there. And guess what? East Lake was his home course—the place where he honed his skills and left an indelible mark on the sport. The clubhouse itself pays tribute to this legendary golfer’s accomplishments.
- Architectural Evolution: Like a well-played round, the course has seen its share of architects. First, Tom Bendelow laid out the original design, but it was Donald Ross who truly left his mark in 1913. Ross, the maestro behind Pinehurst No. 2 and other iconic courses, reworked East Lake into the gem it is today.
- George Cobb and Rees Jones: In the years that followed, George Cobb made some tweaks to prepare for the 1963 Ryder Cup. But it was Rees Jones who orchestrated a full restoration in 1993, breathing new life into the classic layout.
- Andrew Green’s Vision: Fast forward to 2023—architect Andrew Green took the reins for a complete renovation. Armed with previously unknown photos, he’s weaving history and innovation into every fairway and green.
Quoting the Great Bobby Jones:
“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots—but you have to play the ball where it lies.”
The Staggered Start
The Tour Championship employs a unique “Starting Strokes” format, introduced in 2019. The FedEx Cup leader begins the tournament at 10-under par, with staggered starting positions for the rest of the field based on their FedEx Cup standings. This format is designed to give an advantage to the season’s top performers while ensuring that every player in the field has a mathematical chance to win the FedEx Cup. Some players love it, some players hate it.
This staggered start adds an extra layer of strategy to betting, as it requires bettors to consider not just a player’s current ability, confidence and course suitability, but also their starting position. A player starting several strokes behind the leader faces a significant challenge, while those at the top have a distinct advantage.
Top Contenders for Tour Championship
Scottie Scheffler (+108): The 2022 PGA Tour Player of the Year, Scheffler, has been a dominant force throughout the season. His consistency is remarkable, and his ability to gain strokes on the field, particularly in tee-to-green and approach play, makes him a favorite. Starting near the top of the leaderboard, Scheffler’s steady game is well-suited to East Lake, where patience and precision are rewarded.
Rory McIlroy (+1725): The defending FedEx Cup champion, McIlroy has an impressive record at East Lake, with multiple victories here, including the 2019 Tour Championship. His driving accuracy and powerful ball-striking make him a perennial contender on this course. McIlroy’s experience and familiarity with the unique demands of East Lake give him an edge, particularly if he starts within striking distance of the lead.
Xander Schauffele (+230): Consistent and cool under pressure, Schauffele has been knocking on the door of major victories. Schauffele has not shot a round over par in what seems like forever. Xander has a record low scoring average at the Tour Championship. His average is 66.96 over 28 rounds. His eight-straight appearances in the playoff finale are the most by any active player. He is tied with Tony Finau. Three times over that span he had the low 72-hole score, but won his only Tour Championship back in 2017. This was before the staggered scoring system was introduced and the Tour Championship was separate from the FedEx Cup.
Viktor Hovland (+6000): Hovland’s breakthrough season has been highlighted by his improved short game, which complements his already exceptional ball striking. His recent performances in big events have demonstrated his ability to compete under pressure. If Hovland can get hot with the putter, he has the potential to contend, especially if he starts within a few strokes of the lead.
Patrick Cantlay (+2700): Known for his calm demeanor and clutch performances, Cantlay has been a model of consistency. He has a solid record at East Lake, and his methodical approach to the game suits the demands of this course. Cantlay’s ability to stay composed and avoid big mistakes could see him in contention, particularly if he can improve his putting on East Lake’s tricky greens.
Odds to Win the 2024 PGA Tour Championship
Betting Strategies
When betting on the Tour Championship, the staggered start format must be considered. Players starting near the top have a significant advantage, so focusing on those within five strokes of the lead is often a sound strategy. However, there’s always the potential for a player to make a run from further back, especially if they have a history of strong finishes or excel in key statistical areas like strokes gained: approach and putting.
Live betting can also be profitable in this event. Monitoring how players handle the course and their position relative to the leader after each round can provide valuable insights. Additionally, head-to-head matchups can be a good way to mitigate the risk of the staggered start, allowing bettors to focus on individual performances rather than the overall leaderboard.
Prop bets, such as betting on the lowest single-round score or a player to finish in the top 5 or top 10, can also offer value, particularly for those looking to diversify their betting strategy.
Our Four Picks to Win the PGA Tour Championship:
- Rory McIlroy: He’s due for a big win, and East Lake suits his game. If his putter cooperates, he could be hoisting the trophy.
- Xander Schauffele: Consistency pays off. Schauffele’s all-around game makes him a strong contender.
- Patrick Cantlay: The defending champ knows how to navigate these fairways. Expect him to be in the mix.
- Collin Morikawa (+2200): His iron play is poetry. If he finds the greens, he’ll be in contention.
Conclusion
The 2024 PGA Tour Championship at East Lake is set to be a compelling and competitive event, with the world’s best golfers vying for one of the sport’s most coveted titles. Understanding the course, the players’ form, and the impact of the staggered start format is crucial for making informed betting decisions. With so much at stake, this tournament is sure to deliver drama and excitement right until the final putt drops.
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