The PGA Tour’s crown jewel finale, the Tour Championship, might be packing its bags after more than two decades at East Lake Golf Club. That’s right: for the first time since 2004, golf’s season-ending showdown could be on the move.
And if you’ve ever thought, “Why are we always slogging it out in humid Atlanta at the end of August?” — well, you’re not alone.
The Tradition vs. The Future
East Lake has been the Tour Championship’s home for 22 years straight, and 25 times overall. It’s historic, it’s tied deeply to Bobby Jones’ legacy, and it’s been the perfect backdrop for FedEx Cup drama. But here’s the catch — not everyone’s in love with it.
Even PGA Tour players admit it. Policy board member Adam Scott confirmed the possibility of a move has been “discussed,” and Peter Malnati openly admitted he doesn’t “hear fans say it’s an exciting golf course to watch.” Translation: East Lake is respected, but it’s not sexy.
Factor in Coca-Cola’s sponsorship (and the fact it’s headquartered in Atlanta), plus commissioner Tim Finchem’s reported promise of East Lake “in perpetuity,” and you see the friction. Corporate money, tradition, and legacy vs. entertainment value and modern appeal.
Why Would the PGA Leave East Lake Now?
Well, timing’s everything. East Lake just underwent a big-time renovation, and the players are raving. Rory McIlroy even called it a “restoration I love.” The greens are firmer, the course is sharper, and the product is better. Still, even with the facelift, there’s a bigger issue: TV ratings and fan excitement.
The PGA Tour, now fueled by SSG’s $1.5 billion investment, is hunting for juice. And with playoff events in Memphis and Atlanta during peak summer sweat season, many are asking — why not shake it up? Why not give golf fans a finale with more visual and emotional firepower?
Where Could the Tour Championship Go?
Now we’re talking. Imagine a FedEx Cup finale at Pinehurst, Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, or even a Midwest stop in Chicago. Even a New York/New England return in August would feel electric. The imagery, the fan turnout, the drama under primetime lights would dwarf the late-summer grind at East Lake.
Adam Schupak of Golfweek put it bluntly: “No one is tuning in to see East Lake the way they would if the 30-man finale was held at Cypress Point or Pine Valley or Pinehurst.”
And he’s right. A stage that big deserves a golf course with equal stature. East Lake is dignified, yes — but does it move the needle? That’s the billion-dollar question.
Look, East Lake isn’t dead yet. The course looks better than it has in years, and Coca-Cola isn’t just going to roll over on a hometown showcase. But the PGA Tour has momentum, money, and the chance to reimagine what its playoff finale can be.
If they’re serious about making golf must-see TV again, don’t be surprised if we’re crowning a FedEx Cup champ at Pinehurst or Pebble in the not-so-distant future.
