PREVIEW TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP EAST LAKE CC ATLANTA, GA.

PREVIEW TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP EAST LAKE CC ATLANTA, GA.

August 24 to 27, 2023 Par 70

Purse $75M

East Lake Golf Club has hosted this tournament since 2004.  They also hosted the 1963 Ryder Cup, which at that time was still the Atlanta Athletic Club, captained by Arnold Palmer which the US won.  Billy Casper (whom I consider the most underrated golfer ever) scored the most points 4.5 out of a possible 5.

In its early years the East Lake property was the home of Atlanta Athletic Club formed in 1898.  The club’s athletic program was directed by John Heisman, the famous football coach at Georgia Tech (1904 -1919) where he won 33 straight games, and for whom the Heisman Trophy is named.  

In 1904 the ACC bought property at East Lake to build a country club with a golf course.  In the 1960’s ACC moved to its current home in Johns Creek.  The original course and club house were purchased by a group of 25 Atlanta businessmen who created East Lake Country Club in 1968.  It is said that amateur golfer Bobby Jones, who won the original Grand Slam in 1930, played his first and last rounds of golf at ACC East Lake.  He was its President from 1946-47.

TOP 10 OPENING ODDS FOR FAVORITES (strokes given for FedX points earned)

*Scottie Scheffler(-10) 1.4/1 With the way he played and the stroke advantage he should win.

*Rory McIlroy(-7) 3.3/1 Last year he overcame a 6 stroke disadvantage to beat Scheffler by 1.

Viktor Hovland(-8) 5/1 Hard to repeat his amazing final round to win last week.

Jon Rahm(-6) 8/1 The way he is playing I don’t think he will be a factor, but you never know.

Patrick Cantlay(-4) Very skilled golfer, but with his personality and slow play, hard to root for.

*Max Homa(-4) 28/1 May be a great bet with the odds, if he can put 4 RDs like #2 last week.

*Xander Schauffele(-3) 30/1 Like Homa, if he is on his game watch out.

Matt Fitzpatrick(-4) 40/1 I doubt if he can match last weeks 2nd place with the year he has had.

Lucas Glover(-5) 40/1 He has had an unbelievable 3 week run and if he keeps it up, Ryder Cup.

Wyndham Clark(-4) 45/1 Don’t give him a chance, has not attached his US Open performance.  *I pick one of these 4 to win.

BEST LONGSHOTS With the strokes given it will take a couple of RDs like Hovland’s to win.

Tommy Fleetwood(-3) 45/1 What a story this would be for his first win to be here.

Keegan Bradley(-3) 130/1 He quietly has had a great year, 2 wins and will be on Ryder Cup.

Colin Morikawa(-1) 130/1 A very good player who has had a difficult year.

SENTIMENTIAL FAVORITES WITH “NO” CHANCE

Rickie Fowler(-3) 70/1 He is always #1 in this category if not better.  Just getting here was a big accomplishment and sets him up for great opportunities for next year.

Jordan Spieth(E) 180/1 Odds tell it all.  He is fortunate to be here.

Jason Day(-1) 250/1  Has had a strong comeback year, but has been inconsistent lately.

**  These 3 are among my favorite golfers and always give you an exciting performance.