[psd]

No offense to any of its members, Bobby Jones or the Donald Ross Society, but what is the allure of this golf course to warrant an annual stop here and the culmination of the Fedex Cup? I realize Coca-Cola is the prime sponsor and East Lake is in the heart of Coke's global HQ, but is that the primary reason? I've watched this tournament year after year and still cannot visualize a single hole except for the long par-3 18th.

It would seem ripe for a "TPC-Sawgrass like" course as a proper end for the season. East Lake is just a let down in my opinion. What's your take?

[chappychap]

psd, on Sep 22 2009, 03:26 PM, said:

No offense to any of its members, Bobby Jones or the Donald Ross Society, but what is the allure of this golf course to warrant an annual stop here and the culmination of the Fedex Cup? I realize Coca-Cola is the prime sponsor and East Lake is in the heart of Coke's global HQ, but is that the primary reason? I've watched this tournament year after year and still cannot visualize a single hole except for the long par-3 18th.

It would seem ripe for a "TPC-Sawgrass like" course as a proper end for the season. East Lake is just a let down in my opinion. What's your take?

I agree completely; East Lake is boring and not suited for something the tour wants to tout as the end of its playoff system. East Lake is definitely making the Fedex finale seem less important. In my opinion, the tour championship should feature a rotation of super high quality courses that are neither tour stops or major venues. They should not be afraid to try new courses. Places like Pacific Dunes and others that have made a splash in course rankings but haven't hosted the PGA players yet would be perfect for this tournament and would be another reason for golf fans to tune in.

[kylestyle]

Having played East Lake a handful of times (Western Junior + US Am) I can say that this place is an excellent tournament venue. It's long, tough, tight, and the conditions are perfect. 16, 17, and 18 are some of the best finishing holes in all of golf. That being said, I think the Tour Championsip has lacked a defining dramatic finish that is common to other courses/tournaments, but that is not a testament to the course design and/or setup. Maybe this year will be different.

I've knocked out around 30 of the top 100 in the US and this one ranks right near the top. Atlanta is also one of few cities in the country that can and will support an annual prestigious tourney like this and the early fall weather in ATL is typically ideal.

Coolest thing about the place...not a cart path in sight!

[theelvis510]

East Lake is a great track, but I agree it doesn't really translate to TV well. Pacific Dunes would be awesome but PGA Tour stops are all about infastructure and I don't seeing it happening there. And I'm all for the Tour Championship leaving East Lake, it would make it that much easier to get on year round.

[slimdizzle]

I cant agree more with the posts above. The finishing hole is too hard of a birdie hole if you would like excitement for a finish. I understand its the final event, final hole and the prize is 10 mil (for the cup), but i think its time to move on. This should rotate. Especially down here to Innisbrook!!! A highly underrated course (that tiger doesnt like because he cant bomb it on every hole) that finally got some recognition this year.
I forget the player that said it but this course is ready for the U.S open!!!!! Been to one,(pinehurst) and ready for another. Ill settle for the fedex finale though

[jeffreyu]

Probably has something to do with Coca Cola.

[liongolf_ike]

jeffreyu, on Sep 22 2009, 08:34 PM, said:

Probably has something to do with Coca Cola.

This is absolutely correct. They used to rotate the Tour Championship between Houston (Champions GC) and Atlanta (East Lake), but when Coca-Cola took over as the key sponsor, being headquartered in Atlanta, the execs wanted the event to soley be in Atlanta, hence the loss of the venue rotation, only East Lake. Sad to see, the crowds here in Houston were great and the city really supported the event. There was some player griping on the venue, now dont get me wrong Champions is rich with history and a decent golf course, but there are far better golf courses in the Houston area to hold and event like that. Therefore, if it wasnt for the player concerns and Coca-Cola, you would see a rotation I feel.

[slickpitt]

I don't think the TC should be played there every year. I like a little variety... put it in a rotation with say 3 other courses so we only see it once every 4 years.

[bjdrivers]

I personally think the TC should be played like a major. I mean you have the top on the money list (Fedex points) playing the finale. It should be played on a US Open/PGA Champ. type venue under the same conditions (deep rough, 15+ stimp greens) This is more or less a slide as a finale. Tiger tore this course up in '07 making it a runaway.

[mgranato]

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

[hef63303]

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 02:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

10 great reasons but it is really because of the money the sponsor and the course pay.

[OK_Golf]

I'm not sure what the circumstances were, but the TOUR Championship used to be held at Southern Hills in Tulsa. Several years in a row I believe. Maybe this was after Champions in Houston.

It should definitely rotate. I think it would be cool if they picked out great courses that aren't up for hosting a major due to logistics. With only 30 players and being later in season, competing with football, etc. They could go to cool courses that aren't in the standard US Open/PGA rota because of size or access. I think dramatic looking courses (like Bandon or Castle Pines) would amp the TV ratings and make-up for anything lost in fan attendance. The weather in Colorado in late September might not cooperate, though.

How many people are actually on the grounds of the tournament on Saturday or Sunday (in the football crazy south)? I would assume its much, much less than at a major, maybe even less than well-attended "regular" tour stops (Players, FBR, Pebble).

[gwlee7]

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 03:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

You left out that there is a Waffle House at every exit on I 20. I asked directions once when I got turned around in Atlanta and the person at the convenience store literally said, "Go down three Waffle Houses and exit to the right."

[jeffreyu]

gwlee7, on Sep 23 2009, 04:52 PM, said:

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 03:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

You left out that there is a Waffle House at every exit on I 20. I asked directions once when I got turned around in Atlanta and the person at the convenience store literally said, "Go down three Waffle Houses and exit to the right."

You all are just jealous.

[theelvis510]

gwlee7, on Sep 23 2009, 04:52 PM, said:

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 03:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

You left out that there is a Waffle House at every exit on I 20. I asked directions once when I got turned around in Atlanta and the person at the convenience store literally said, "Go down three Waffle Houses and exit to the right."

I'm going to take the liberty of giving you a local's perspective on the top/bottom 10 here.
10. The AAC isn't even close to the best course in town, but I'll let all of y'all keep thinking that if it keeps my course free of tourist traffic.
9. Stone Mountain has a 23rd century light show. I don't know what your smoking. Best Ever!!!!
8. The Bravos are out of town, and/or no one has gone to a game in a month anyway because of college football. Many of us down here don't believe that baseball is played past August 30th.
7. It's been a good month since the aquarium has killed off an endangered species
6. The Bad Newz Kennels is being bulldozed for the Blank Center for Background Checks.
5. The flooding has canceled the DOT experience, we just closed all roads that lead to the important places.
4. Buckhead has been de-Lewisified for a good 8 years, proof only white people have been dancing to bad hip hop at Hole in the Wall.
3. No way the best outlet malls are in the metro area, at least for people watching.
1/2. The annual dinner will be held at the Cheetah, seriously they have a 4 star restaurant. I guess if you really want Varsity though it's just a quick 8 blocks down Spring St.

And if you get lost at a Waffle House, at least you have a place to eat.

[dachtor]

bjdrivers, on Sep 23 2009, 03:05 PM, said:

I personally think the TC should be played like a major. I mean you have the top on the money list (Fedex points) playing the finale. It should be played on a US Open/PGA Champ. type venue under the same conditions (deep rough, 15+ stimp greens) This is more or less a slide as a finale. Tiger tore this course up in '07 making it a runaway.

The '07 tournament was played during the middle of one of the worst droughts in decades. Obviously, given the weather this week, water is no longer a problem, but that year the greens were still bent grass and they basically died in the 100 degree heat and no water. I played east lake about 3 weeks before the tournament that year and I'm honestly amazed they were even able to have the tournament. The greens had no grass on them. Smooth, but there was no root substance. It was like sand under the grass so it played very soft. That is why Tiger tore it up.

Since then, they have redone the greens with one of the new Bermuda grasses (Tiffeagle I think) in addition to an irrigation and vacuum system that rivals ANGC down I-20. I guarantee they will be running as fast as any major. And the rough there is always brutal, but when the greens were soft that year, the rough didn't matter. This year they will be very firm and fast.

I don't disagree with you guys saying the Tour Championship should rotate, but don't knock East Lake simply because the Fed Ex Cup format in previous years hasn't allowed for an exciting finish. And don't hate on Atlanta.

[plark]

I think it's because they said its ranked in the top 10 toughest courses in the US or something i could be wrong thou..

[naj959]

YES.

[adamsstaff]

Bring it back to CHAMPIONS!! It was great having it in my backyard...

[theelvis510]

dachtor, on Sep 23 2009, 08:23 PM, said:

bjdrivers, on Sep 23 2009, 03:05 PM, said:

I personally think the TC should be played like a major. I mean you have the top on the money list (Fedex points) playing the finale. It should be played on a US Open/PGA Champ. type venue under the same conditions (deep rough, 15+ stimp greens) This is more or less a slide as a finale. Tiger tore this course up in '07 making it a runaway.

The '07 tournament was played during the middle of one of the worst droughts in decades. Obviously, given the weather this week, water is no longer a problem, but that year the greens were still bent grass and they basically died in the 100 degree heat and no water. I played east lake about 3 weeks before the tournament that year and I'm honestly amazed they were even able to have the tournament. The greens had no grass on them. Smooth, but there was no root substance. It was like sand under the grass so it played very soft. That is why Tiger tore it up.

Since then, they have redone the greens with one of the new Bermuda grasses (Tiffeagle I think) in addition to an irrigation and vacuum system that rivals ANGC down I-20. I guarantee they will be running as fast as any major. And the rough there is always brutal, but when the greens were soft that year, the rough didn't matter. This year they will be very firm and fast.

I don't disagree with you guys saying the Tour Championship should rotate, but don't knock East Lake simply because the Fed Ex Cup format in previous years hasn't allowed for an exciting finish. And don't hate on Atlanta.

Champions bermuda at East Lake. I wasn't hating earlier, just making some funny observations.

[dachtor]

theelvis510, on Sep 23 2009, 10:31 PM, said:

dachtor, on Sep 23 2009, 08:23 PM, said:

bjdrivers, on Sep 23 2009, 03:05 PM, said:

I personally think the TC should be played like a major. I mean you have the top on the money list (Fedex points) playing the finale. It should be played on a US Open/PGA Champ. type venue under the same conditions (deep rough, 15+ stimp greens) This is more or less a slide as a finale. Tiger tore this course up in '07 making it a runaway.

The '07 tournament was played during the middle of one of the worst droughts in decades. Obviously, given the weather this week, water is no longer a problem, but that year the greens were still bent grass and they basically died in the 100 degree heat and no water. I played east lake about 3 weeks before the tournament that year and I'm honestly amazed they were even able to have the tournament. The greens had no grass on them. Smooth, but there was no root substance. It was like sand under the grass so it played very soft. That is why Tiger tore it up.

Since then, they have redone the greens with one of the new Bermuda grasses (Tiffeagle I think) in addition to an irrigation and vacuum system that rivals ANGC down I-20. I guarantee they will be running as fast as any major. And the rough there is always brutal, but when the greens were soft that year, the rough didn't matter. This year they will be very firm and fast.

I don't disagree with you guys saying the Tour Championship should rotate, but don't knock East Lake simply because the Fed Ex Cup format in previous years hasn't allowed for an exciting finish. And don't hate on Atlanta.

Champions bermuda at East Lake. I wasn't hating earlier, just making some funny observations.

Actually, I think we are both wrong. According to the link below, they have MiniVerde. My home course has Champion and I know ELGC was seriously considering Champion, but I thought they went with something else. That said, I've also seen some sites online that say they went with Champion. Who knows, all three of those surfaces play very similar and are incredible! Maintanence costs of MiniVerde are supposed to be the lowest of the three.

http://www.pgatour.c...urse/index.html

[varsityhacker]

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 03:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

If you are from Atlanta or live here then you know how funny and true this is

[BRCRK]

gwlee7, on Sep 23 2009, 04:52 PM, said:

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 03:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

You left out that there is a Waffle House at every exit on I 20. I asked directions once when I got turned around in Atlanta and the person at the convenience store literally said, "Go down three Waffle Houses and exit to the right."

Also...you forgot about a liquor store, strip club and church on every block

[theelvis510]

BRCRK, on Sep 25 2009, 07:23 PM, said:

gwlee7, on Sep 23 2009, 04:52 PM, said:

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 03:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

You left out that there is a Waffle House at every exit on I 20. I asked directions once when I got turned around in Atlanta and the person at the convenience store literally said, "Go down three Waffle Houses and exit to the right."

Also...you forgot about a liquor store, strip club and church on every block

We got the Cheetah in there and you say all of this like its a bad thing. I mean where can you start the party off early at the liquor store, hit the strip club all night and roll across the street for some forgiveness. One stop shopping at it's finest.

[ws6]

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 12:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

Cheetah is impressive. I miss the Gold Club too (damn FBI investigation), that and being young and single in Atlanta.

[mgranato]

ws6, on Sep 25 2009, 09:55 PM, said:

mgranato, on Sep 23 2009, 12:27 PM, said:

Top 10 reasons why....

10. Players can play Atlanta Athletic club while in town.
9. Players and families can enjoy a 22nd century, state of the art laser show at Stone Mtn.
8. Players can visit Turner Field to watch the 1 time World Champ Braves.
7. Families can visit the GA Aquarium with a good chance of watching a whale shark pass away.
6. Not any more, but the players used to get "pick of the litter" at the Michael Vick Dog Pound.
5. Players, families, and patrons can experience world class DOT construction.
4. A Ray Lewis free Buckhead.
3. Players and families get to enjoy some of the South's finest outlet malls.
2. Annual PGA Tour dinner at the Varsity.
1. Annual PGA Tour party at the Cheetah.

Cheetah is impressive. I miss the Gold Club too (damn FBI investigation), that and being young and single in Atlanta.

A 5 to 1 ratio of innies to outies does tend to put the "Hot" in "lanta"

I'm assuming your single days are over as well, but FYI, they are bringing the Golf Club back. Note to out-of-towners - ONLY use cash! Your credit card bill will never be the same

[specialtony]

how about oakmont for the tour championship..sept golf in pa is great

[chas521]

dachtor, on Sep 23 2009, 08:23 PM, said:

bjdrivers, on Sep 23 2009, 03:05 PM, said:

I personally think the TC should be played like a major. I mean you have the top on the money list (Fedex points) playing the finale. It should be played on a US Open/PGA Champ. type venue under the same conditions (deep rough, 15+ stimp greens) This is more or less a slide as a finale. Tiger tore this course up in '07 making it a runaway.

The '07 tournament was played during the middle of one of the worst droughts in decades. Obviously, given the weather this week, water is no longer a problem, but that year the greens were still bent grass and they basically died in the 100 degree heat and no water. I played east lake about 3 weeks before the tournament that year and I'm honestly amazed they were even able to have the tournament. The greens had no grass on them. Smooth, but there was no root substance. It was like sand under the grass so it played very soft. That is why Tiger tore it up.

Since then, they have redone the greens with one of the new Bermuda grasses (Tiffeagle I think) in addition to an irrigation and vacuum system that rivals ANGC down I-20. I guarantee they will be running as fast as any major. And the rough there is always brutal, but when the greens were soft that year, the rough didn't matter. This year they will be very firm and fast.

I don't disagree with you guys saying the Tour Championship should rotate, but don't knock East Lake simply because the Fed Ex Cup format in previous years hasn't allowed for an exciting finish. And don't hate on Atlanta.

Sorry, but I'm a Mets fan. Yeah, even after this year.