Hole 18 at East Lake Golf Club
Atlanta, Georgia
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided
Green size: 24 yds deep × 36 yds wide
Available USGS 3DEP lidar (2018–19) predates East Lake’s 2023–24 full green restoration.
Hole 18 gameplan
A finishing par 5 with uneven lies and a twisting lake crossing through the second-shot zone. The tee shot should preserve a deliberate choice between playing across the water and working around it before approaching an angled green.
Prioritize a lie and angle that keep both second-shot routes available. Andrew Green said driver remains viable with accuracy, while a chasing 3-wood may be the smarter position play; PGA Professionals likewise emphasized that tee-ball position controls whether the second shot can attack or must lay up. Extra tee-shot distance has limited value if it blocks the view of the cross-lake or leaves the ball on a severe stance.
The primary mapped route meets water deep into the hole and clears it with substantial yardage still remaining. Either carry the full mapped back edge with margin or choose a true lay-up area that leaves a clean third.
The surface was shifted left and angled to reward the correct side of the fairway. Favor the long axis and use the aerial map and pin position to avoid putting across the strongest fall line.
- A twisting lake crosses the primary route in the second-shot zone; use mapped front and clear edges rather than the lake centroid.
- Unique bunkering defines the longer second landing options, with additional sand around the angled green.
From the research
Reviewed podcast, web, and editorial sources behind this hole guide.
- StrategyAndrew Green
Andrew Green said driver remains viable on the restored eighteenth only with accuracy, while a 3-wood allowed to chase may be the smarter tee play.
TOUR Championship — Andrew Green Press Conference · ASAP Sports / PGA TOUR → - Strategy
Four PGA Professionals emphasized that tee-ball position on the restored eighteenth controls the second shot: running through or missing the fairway complicates the layup, while a well-positioned drive preserves the chance to attack in two.
How to Play the 18th Hole at East Lake Golf Club · PGA of America → - Strategy
The restored eighteenth introduces uneven lies and a twisting cross-lake that pressures accuracy; left-side grading, differentiated second-landing options, and an angled green create distinct routes across and around the water.
Unveiling the New East Lake — Restoration Hole-by-Hole Notes · East Lake Golf Club / PGA TOUR → - Strategy
After a year of maturation following the restoration, East Lake offered the PGA TOUR greater setup versatility for changing challenge and difficulty.
Why East Lake will be more challenging at the TOUR Championship · PGA TOUR → - ArchitectureAndrew Green
Andrew Green described moving green locations and finding width to create angles and force the course to turn, replacing many straight, narrow corridors with more varied lines of play.
The New East Lake and the Same Old Tour Championship · Fried Egg Golf → - StrategyAndrew Green
Andrew Green designed East Lake's restored greens so daily hole locations materially change how holes play, specifically citing distinct options on Nos. 3, 7, and 15.
TOUR Championship — Andrew Green Press Conference · ASAP Sports / PGA TOUR → - History
Donald Ross was hired in 1913 to redesign East Lake; his routing, with each nine returning to the clubhouse, remains the basis of the course.
History · East Lake Golf Club → - History
East Lake began in 1904; its 18-hole course and clubhouse opened on July 4, 1908.
History · East Lake Golf Club → - History
East Lake hosted the 1950 U.S. Women's Amateur and 1963 Ryder Cup, then hosted the TOUR Championship for the first time in 1998.
History · East Lake Golf Club → - Architecture
PGA TOUR's restoration documentary presents the one-year project as an effort to recover Donald Ross design elements and create a more dynamic, volatile TOUR Championship venue.
COMPLETE restoration at East Lake Golf Club led by Andrew Green · PGA TOUR → - StrategyScottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler described the 2026 East Lake Bermuda rough as the healthiest he had seen that year and effectively hack-out rough, a notable change from prior setups.
2026 TOUR Championship — Scottie Scheffler Press Conference · ASAP Sports / PGA TOUR → - Architecture
The 2023-24 restoration used a 1949 aerial photograph as inspiration and rebuilt every tee, green, fairway, and bunker; fairways changed from Meyer to Zorro Zoysia and greens from Mini Verde to TifEagle.
Unveiling the New East Lake — Restoration Hole-by-Hole Notes · East Lake Golf Club / PGA TOUR → - Strategy
The official 2026 TOUR Championship setup is par 70 at 7,440 yards, with Nos. 1 and 14 played as par 4s and Nos. 6 and 18 as the only par 5s.
TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club: Course preview and FAQs · PGA TOUR →
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about East Lake Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
TOUR Championship highlights
TOUR Championship | Final Round Highlights
2025
Official & tour
Tour & network videos
Official coverage mentioning East Lake Golf Club.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured East Lake Golf Club. · Stats as of Aug 31, 2026 · 2d ago
The New East Lake and the Same Old Tour Championship
How did Hole 18 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
How big is the green on hole 18?
↓
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.