The 2024 Tour Championship, the pinnacle of the PGA Tour season, is set to take place from August 29th to September 1st at the historic East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. This tournament marks the final event in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, where the top 30 players of the season will compete not only for the tournament victory but also for the prestigious FedEx Cup title.
East Lake, a par-71 course stretching 7,385 yards, has been the host of this event since 2004. Known for its rich history and challenging layout, East Lake underwent a significant restoration in 2023 to better reflect the original design by Donald Ross, with changes that include larger greens, sharper bunker edges, and the reintroduction of a par 5 on the 14th hole.
Unlike typical PGA Tour events, the Tour Championship features a unique “starting strokes” format that has been in place since 2019. This system was introduced to ensure that the winner of the tournament is also the FedEx Cup champion, eliminating the confusion that often arose when the playoff winner differed from the tournament victor.
Players begin the Tour Championship with scores that reflect their standing in the FedEx Cup points race. For example, Scottie Scheffler, who leads the points standings, will start the tournament at 10-under-par. The second-ranked player, Xander Schauffele, will begin at 8-under, followed by Hideki Matsuyama at 7-under, Keegan Bradley at 6-under, and Ludvig Aberg at 5-under.
The remaining players will start at staggered scores down to even par, depending on their position in the standings.
This staggered start creates a unique dynamic, where the top players already have a head start but must maintain their lead against a competitive field. The pressure is intense, as the winner not only secures the Tour Championship title but also takes home a massive $25 million prize, the largest in professional golf.
The tournament’s format rewards consistent performance throughout the season, but it also leaves room for dramatic comebacks, as players starting further back can still challenge for the title with a strong showing over the four days.
Tour Championship: Weather and Course Condition
The course conditions at East Lake are expected to be pristine, thanks to the extensive restoration work completed last year. The fairways, now composed of Zorro Zoysia grass, offer a firm and fast playing surface that will reward precision off the tee.
The greens have been expanded, offering new pin placements that will challenge even the most accurate approach shots. Bunkers have been reshaped with sharper edges, making recovery shots more demanding. With the weather forecast predicting mild temperatures and a low chance of rain, players can expect ideal conditions for scoring, though the restored layout’s subtle changes may catch a few off guard.
Weather-wise, the Tour Championship is expected to see favorable conditions with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. The winds are forecasted to be light, which should allow players to attack the course with confidence.
However, any unexpected shifts in the weather could quickly change the dynamics of the Tur Championship, particularly on the newly introduced par 5, where longer hitters might find an advantage if the winds pick up. Overall, the stage is set for a thrilling finale to the PGA Tour season.
Tour Championship: The Field
The 2024 Tour Championship’s field is packed with talent, featuring some of the biggest names in golf. Scottie Scheffler, who has had a stellar season, will be looking to capitalize on his starting advantage.
However, players like Xander Schauffele, who has shown great form in recent months, and Rory McIlroy, always a threat in big events, will be eager to chase him down. Last year’s Tour Championship winner, Viktor Hovland, who began the tournament in second place and went on to dominate the field, serves as a reminder that anything can happen at East Lake.
Scottie Scheffler will undoubtedly be the favorite, given his consistent performance throughout the year and his starting advantage. However, Xander Schauffele, who has a strong record at East Lake, including a memorable victory over Scheffler last year, is poised to make a serious challenge. Rory McIlroy, who has won the FedEx Cup twice, will also be a key player to watch, especially if he can get off to a fast start.
Viktor Hovland, the defending champion, will aim to replicate his success from last year, where he came from behind to clinch the title. Hovland’s aggressive style of play suits the challenges posed by East Lake, and he will be keen to add another prestigious title to his growing resume. Meanwhile, Hideki Matsuyama and Keegan Bradley, both of whom have had strong seasons, will look to leverage their starting positions to contend for the win.
With a $25 million prize on the line and only the top 30 players in the world competing, the 2024 Tour Championship promises to deliver an exciting conclusion to the golf season. The unique format, combined with the restored challenges of East Lake, sets the stage for a dramatic showdown where every shot will count.
Tour Championship: Expert and Sleeper Picks
Expert Picks
Scottie Scheffler (1-1): Despite his struggles at East Lake Golf Club in the past, Scheffler’s impressive form this season, including his No. 1 seed position, makes the strongest pick. His consistent performance throughout the year and his starting advantage of 10-under par position him well to close the deal this time. The course redesign could potentially play to his strengths, especially if he adapts well to the new greens and layout.
Xander Schauffele (2-1): Schauffele has a solid track record at East Lake Golf Club, having won here in 2017 and finishing in the top two in recent years. His current form is excellent, particularly with his driving and putting. Despite the course changes, his experience and recent play make him a valuable pick. His ability to perform well under pressure and adapt to course changes adds to his value.
Sleeper Picks
Ludvig Åberg (18-1): Åberg’s impressive Par-5 scoring and strong performance at the BMW Championship make him a compelling sleeper pick. Despite being a newcomer to the Tour Championship, his current form and ability to handle high-pressure situations suggest he could be a surprise contender. The changes to the course might play in his favor, giving him a chance to make a significant impact.
Tommy Fleetwood (20-1): Fleetwood’s recent improvement in his iron play and putting, combined with his solid performance at the BMW Championship, positions him as a potential sleeper. While starting at 1-under par might seem like a disadvantage, Fleetwood’s ability to produce low rounds and the course changes could give him the edge to climb up the leaderboard. His strong Bermuda grass performance adds to his appeal.