The East Lake course has been the partner for the TOUR Championship since 2005, but the course isn’t the one that has enticed fans. Considering the top-30 players featuring at the course, there is a gap in the expectations when matching it with fans’ expectations. The course is ranked 85th among all classic courses in the US. But now with the talks of change being in place, Jordan Spieth has shared a contrary reaction.

Well, selfishly, talking on the venue change discussion, Jordan Spieth preferred the old course. He said, “Because I’ve played it so well. I think it’s a great golf course.” The 2015 TOUR Championship winner has some of his historic wins at the East Lake Course. Out of the 8 participations in the past, including the win, have been close to the top position. With two top-10 and two top-20 finishes.

However, being a former policy board member, Spieth is open to the discussion, as he added, “I would have to see what other options were available in order to have a reason for it not to be there every year.” After the revelation made by Jay Monahan last year, the discussion has now picked up the pace. With the talks, three golf courses, namely, Cypress Point, Pine Valley, and Pinehurst, are the top choices for the change.

Talking about the decision, Peter Malnati, Tour policy board player director, has shared his views. Malnati, in the event discussion, said, “I don’t hear fans say it is an exciting golf course to watch. I know it does a lot for the community and that’s very important, but I think it would be cool for our biggest trophy to be given away at a course that really excites fans.” As per the PGA Tour, 40 to 60K fans attended the event. But with the magnitude of the event, it is not upto the mark. As the stats of the 2024 events shared that over 14 events garnered more than 100,000 attendees.

The PGA Tour tackled this situation earlier in 2010 when the venue for the PGA Championship was shifted from Sahalee to Whistling Straits. Now, with the talks for the TOUR Championship, it wouldn’t be a surprise to adopt the BMW Championship’s strategy.

TOUR Championship might take a lesson from predecessor event

“We’ve questioned everything at some point. I couldn’t tell you contractually how long we’re tied to there, but East Lake is where it’s at,” said Adam Scott, player director on the PGA Tour policy. The discussion of enhancing the playoffs has already introduced new advancements. The structure, which earlier had accumulated points, has now followed the even start structure. But with the success rate of the BMW Championship’s venue rotation, there is a possibility of adopting the same method for the TOUR Championship as well.

The rotation strategy aimed at expanding sponsorship reach. But it has also worked great in attracting fans to the event. Back in 2021, the event was played at the Caves Valley Golf Club, garnered 100,000 fans in attendance. In fact, in 2024, the venue of Castle Pines also saw an increase to 114,000 for the BMW Championship. The venue has played out crucial role for the event, now with the TOUR Championship, it can be a valid option to consider. However, there are still talks going on; Adam Scott has shared the timeline for it. He said, “Next year you’ll see the full picture.” 

For the fans, the venue change would be great news. However, for Jordan Spieth, it might increase his struggle considering his comfort at the East Lake Course. Are you in favor of the change? Share with us in the comments below.