The 2025 FedEx Cup Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the PGA Tour season, with the top 30 golfers vying for the coveted FedEx Cup and a $25 million bonus. This year, the event has shifted to a straight stroke-play format without the staggered start leaderboard, giving all players an equal shot at glory over 72 holes. Expect intense competition as the field, fresh from the BMW Championship, battles not only for the title but also for spots in next year’s signature events. With the Tour Championship serving as the playoffs’ finale, viewers can anticipate dramatic swings, clutch putts, and perhaps a surprise winner. Social media is buzzing with excitement, with fans on X predicting a showdown between dominant forces like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, noting the event’s “must-watch” status for its potential for upsets and record-breaking performances.
Golfers to watch include Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and defending champion from 2024, who’s favored at +150 after his dominant season with five wins, including a BMW victory last week that solidified his top spot. Rory McIlroy, a three-time FedEx Cup winner and last year’s runner-up, is at +850 and could leverage his strong history at East Lake, where he’s won multiple times, to claim another title. Collin Morikawa (+2800) is a longshot pick, with experts noting his elite ball-striking could shine on East Lake’s demanding layout. Other contenders like Viktor Hovland (+2800), the 2023 winner, Sepp Straka (+3100), and Harry Hall (+5500) are trending amongst betters highlighting their recent form and potential for surprises in the no-staggered format. Justin Thomas (+2500) and Tommy Fleetwood (+1400) are also in the mix, with predictions emphasizing JT’s major pedigree and Fleetwood’s consistent play.
East Lake Golf Club: A Historic Test of Golf’s Elite
East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta’s oldest golf course established in 1904, has been the permanent home of the Tour Championship since 2005, serving as the FedEx Cup finale. Originally designed by Tom Bendelow and reworked by Donald Ross in 1913, it underwent modifications by George Cobb in 1959, restoration by Rees Jones in 1993, and a recent 2024 restoration by Andrew Green using historical photos for inspiration. The par-70 course measures approximately 7,346 yards (only two par 5’s) with a slope of 145 and a rating of 75.6, featuring bentgrass greens, Bermuda fairways, and strategic bunkering amid rolling terrain and water hazards. Its classic design emphasizes precision and course management, with tree-lined fairways and challenging greens that reward accurate ball-striking, making it a fitting venue for crowning the FedEx Cup champion.
Notable holes include the par-4 1st, a tough opener with a narrow fairway and guarded green that sets a tone of precision, often cited as a “nerve-wracker” for its early pressure. The par-3 6th over water is a viewer favorite, with its island-like green creating dramatic moments, as fans rave about past clutch shots there. Hole 9, a par-4 dogleg with a blind approach, challenges strategy, while the par-3 15th island green is iconic for its risk-reward drama, frequently highlighted in previews as a “must-watch” for potential water splashes. The par-5 18th finisher, with water left and bunkers guarding the green, promises excitement for viewers. It is often described as “heart-pounding” for its potential for eagle putts or disastrous bogeys in crunch time. Overall, East Lake’s restored design will test the field’s best under playoff pressure, delivering fun, high-stakes golf for fans.
