Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Designed By: Originally, Tom Bendelow (1908). Renovated by Donald Ross (1913) and modernized by Reece Jones (1994) 

Total Yardage: 7,346 yards

Reigning Champion: Patrick Cantlay (2021 Tour Championship) 

Established in 1904, East Lake is the oldest golf course in Atlanta, Georgia, and was home to the legendary golfer, Bobby Jones. Today, it plays host to the PGA Tour Championship—the culminating event of the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedEx Cup. 

Situated about five miles from downtown Atlanta, East Lake is built on the site of an old amusement park. And those that play it certainly experience a rollercoaster of emotions from the moment they step onto the first tee. 

Clocking in at a par 70, East Lake Golf Club has a distinctive parkland layout, famed for its gentle contours and relaxing setting. Since 2004, the average winning score here has been 11.5-under par, making it one of the easier courses on the PGA TOUR. But don’t let that fool you; many have been lulled into a false sense of security at their peril. Bunkers are scattered across the course to catch wayward shots, an abundance of trees will narrow the landing area off the tee and the thick Bermuda grass can be seriously difficult to escape. 

Featured Hole: 15th (Par 3, 209 Yards)

Originally the sixth hole, the par 3 15th at East Lake Golf Club was the first ever island green designed in America. This hole is a real intimidator and a potential score wrecker. The championship tees are located behind the lake and will require you to hit a 200-yard carry before your ball even reaches dry land. 

Add to this the relatively narrow green to hit, plus a prevailing wind pushing your ball towards the water on the right, and you end up with one of the most challenging holes at East Lake. 

The bunker on the left provides an appealing bailout, however, this leaves you with a terrifying return shot. Find yourself short or long on the green, and you face a menacing two-putt to try and save par.