TOUR Championship | Course Preview, Field, & What to Watch For

We are finally here. This week is the “end” of the 2020 season. It’s time for the TOUR Championship. 

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After one of the most unique seasons in PGA TOUR history, the Top 30 players in the FEDEX Cup standings have made their way to Atlanta, GA, to compete for golf’s most lucrative prize. $15 million will be awarded to the winner, with last place still going home with nearly $400 thousand.

Only two men have won multiple FEDEX Cups, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlory. Rory will compete for his 3rd, but Tiger will not be in the field because of his position in the standings. Dustin Johnson enters the week No.1 in the standings, meaning he will start the tournament at -10, 2 ahead of the next closest player. The starting position format is the following:

1st: -10 

2nd: -8

3rd: -7

4th: -6

5th: -5 

6th-10th: -4

11th-15th: -3 

16th-20: -2

21st-25th: -1

26th-30th: E

Course Preview 

East Lake Golf Course has been the host of the TOUR Championship since 2005. It was originally established in 1904, making it the oldest course in Atlanta. Initially designed by Tom Bendelow, in 1913 it was completely re-done by the famous Donald Ross.

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A restoration was done by Rees Jones in 1994, but Jones kept Ross’ original layout. It is a Par 70 routing, and will play right around 7,400 yards all week. The course features Bermuda grass, and according to Data Golf, it’s closest comparison to how it plays is TPC River Highlands in Connecticut. Although big hitters have won here before, including Rory McIlory twice, the course doesn’t fit a specific kind of golfer. Players who are able to control their ball, using multiple flights, will do very well.

Field 

Dustin Johnson enters the week No. 1 in the FEDEX Cup standings, despite his playoff loss to Jon Rahm at the BMW. He continues to stay red hot with the putter, which is usually the difference with DJ. If he’s rolling the rock, he’s very hard to beat. He’ll start the week with a 2 stroke advantage. 

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Jon Rahm is coming off his playoff victory at the BMW. His 66 foot putt on the 73rd was one of the craziest putts I’ve ever seen. He said he was aiming 20 feet left of the hole, and was hoping to get it “within 3-6 feet”. He will start 2 shots behind DJ, at -8.

Justin Thomas entered the playoffs No. 1 in the standings, but has since fallen to No. 3. He will be looking to add a 2nd FEDEX Cup to his trophy case, as he won back in 2017. He had a rough week at the BMW, but finished up the tournament with a solid round on Sunday.

Rory McIlory is in for a very interesting week. Not only could he win his 3rd FEDEX Cup, he could also be leaving the bubble to be with his wife. Erica and Rory are expecting their first child any minute, and he stated last week he is 100% leaving to be there. He bounced back last week after a few disappointing starts in a row, and actually held the 36-hole lead. His driver was back, and his iron play continues to hold strong. Rory absolutely loves East Lake, with a win in 2016, win in 2019, and multiple high finishes. Only time will tell if he’ll be there all week. 

What to Watch For 

Kevin Kisner held his own all week at the BMW, aside from a rough Sunday +6. He continues to control his golf ball very well, and gets back to a course where he has solid history. Last year with a T9, and a T3 in 2017. He grew up on Bermuda greens, so he should be rolling it this week. He starts the week at -1. 

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Webb Simpson is back after taking a week off from the playoffs. He didn’t play in the BMW, which may have been a great decision with how difficult the course played all week. He will be both physically and mentally rested, and will start at -6. 

My Pick to Win 

It’s hard to not go with one of the guys at the top. That lead will be a big advantage for those guys, but it is possible to come from behind.

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Rory started at -5 last year, and came back to win. So with that being said, I like Webb this week. Rested. Fresh. And only 4 back to start.