Hole 1 at East Lake Golf Club
Atlanta, Georgia
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided
Green size: 35 yds deep × 30 yds wide
Available USGS 3DEP lidar (2018–19) predates East Lake’s 2023–24 full green restoration.
Hole 1 gameplan
A par-5 opener shaped in layers: first carry the lake, then choose a side of the dogleg for the second landing zone, and finally approach a two-level green. Build the hole backward from the pin section rather than treating every reachable bunker as a lay-up command.
The primary mapped line crosses water early, while a spine on the right and the restored left bunker shape the next decision. In the temporary 2026 TOUR setup, Rory McIlroy also identified trees from the right rough and out-of-bounds left as real constraints. Confirm the selected tee's front and clear edges on the aerial, then favor the side that leaves the preferred angle into the second landing area.
Paired bunkers around the second landing zone create the key decision. If the green is not realistically available, finish the lay-up short of or beyond that pair with a full view of the target.
The restored surface has two levels inspired by East Lake's former dual greens. Center of the correct level is more valuable than being closer but putting across the transition.
- Lake crossing immediately influences the primary tee route; use the selected tee's mapped front and clear edges.
- A restored left fairway bunker shapes the dogleg, followed by a bunker pair around the second landing zone.
- Sand and short grass guard multiple sides of the two-level green.
From the research
Reviewed podcast, web, and editorial sources behind this hole guide.
- StrategyRory McIlroy
For the 2026 TOUR Championship, Rory McIlroy described No. 1 as a demanding opener: right rough can bring trees into play, left has out-of-bounds and a bunker, and the restored back-left green falloff is especially penal.
2026 TOUR Championship — Rory McIlroy Press Conference · ASAP Sports / PGA TOUR → - Architecture
The restored first uses a right-side fairway spine, a left bunker to shape the dogleg, paired bunkers around the second landing zone, and a two-level green inspired by the former dual greens.
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 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.