Thompson Tees Off - Subscriber

Company, the nal three hours of the Sunday broadcast, including the entire back nine featur- ing the nal groups, will air free of national com- mercials, allowing shot-by-shot viewing as the nal FedEx Cup Playo s event draws to its conclusion on NBC. And it will be a di erent back nine as the nines have been switched. What was a tough uphill closing par 3 is now the ninth hole and the old ninth is now the closer with the chance for eagles and birdies on this par 5. With the new routing, the nal ve holes now have more potential for lead changes. The nish- ing stretch on the back nine begins with the par 4, 500-plus-yard 14th hole that has statistically been the most di cult hole on the course dating back to 2007. From there players will be faced with a penin- sula green at the par 3 15th that has traditionally resulted in a wide range of scores from birdie to double bogey. "East Lake Golf Club has served as a tting ven- ue for the nale of our FedExCup season," said PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem. "Now in its 10th year, the FedEx Cup structure has given the Tour a true season-ending nale and has performed to our expectations in every way. We will always strive to nd ways to enhance our events for our fans, players and sponsors. By ipping the nines at East Lake, we believe the nal stretch of the FedEx Cup will become even more dramatic and exciting as THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP…IT'S CLOSER THAN YOU THINK our season-long competition comes to a close." "Many of the world's historic courses go through transitions as the game of golf changes with time. I'm con dent this transition will respect and high- light the rich tradition and history of East Lake Golf Club," said Tom Cousins, Chairman. "We look forward to a fantastic conclusion of the Tour Cham- pionship by Coca-Cola as the leaders compete on a new nishing stretch of challenging holes and conclude with the spectacular view of our iconic clubhouse from the new par-5 18th hole." "I have been working with the PGA Tour and East Lake Golf Club in reversing the nines to cre- ate more interest and volatility over the nishing stretch," said course architect Rees Jones. "Players will be challenged by the di cult 14th hole and a demanding tee shot at No. 15. And the nal three holes should not be viewed as an easier nish. With some tweaks that we are making, it is a stretch where par is not necessarily the standard and expected score. There will be birdies, bogeys on all three holes and potentially eagles on the nal hole, which will ultimately result in more lead changes and excitement for all involved." East Lake history The property known as East Lake was purchased in 1904 and the golf course, designed by Tom Bendelow, opened July 4, 1908. In 1913, famed golf course architect Donald Ross rede- signed the Bendelow course at East Lake and then in 1994, Rees Jones re- stored Donald Ross' golf course layout. Over the years, the East Lake course has hosted many national and regional championships. The Southern Amateur was played at East Lake in 1907, 1910, 1915, 1922 and 1923; the Southern Open in 1919, 1920 and 1927; the Georgia State Amateur in 1924, 1930, 1934, 1941 and 1956; the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1950; the Ryder Cup in 1963; the Western Junior Amateur In recognition of the milestone of recently reaching my 175th issue, I'm pleased to offer a special "Lifetime" subscription offer of $100 for 10 years of issues! That's right, this special offer is available now and will mean you won't have to pay $30 annually, but rather a one-time payment of $100 for up to 10 years of issues. This option is available when you click the Subscribe Now! button. Jordan Spieth is the defending champion of both the FedEx Cup and Tour Championship course architect Donald Ross rede- signed the Bendelow course at East Lake and then in 1994, Rees Jones re- stored Donald Ross' golf course layout. Over the years, the East Lake course has hosted many national and regional championships. The Southern Amateur was played at East Lake in 1907, 1910, 1915, 1922 and 1923; the Southern Open in 1919, 1920 and 1927; the Georgia State Amateur in 1924, 1930, 1934, 1941 and 1956; the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1950; the Ryder Cup in 1963; the Western Junior Amateur Jordan Spieth is the defending champion of both the FedEx Jordan Spieth is the defending champion of both the FedEx

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