Welcome to The 19th Hole!

In Today’s Round:

1. Tour Championship Preview

2. GolfFit Fitness Tip

3. Course Of The Week

4. Best Links From Around The Web

Golf’s Best Links

Play Better

I Had A Lesson With the Best Coach In The World (LINK)

World's #1 Coach Reveals EASIEST Way To Hit Driver Straight (LINK)

5 Min SLICE FIX with Brian Manzella & Teagan. Crazy Before and After GOLF (LINK)

Hit It Farther and Get Fitter

Bryson DeChambeau helps me break my ball speed record | Full Speed Training Session (LINK)

The only Golf Fitness Workout you need! (LINK)

Youtube Golf

The Ultimate Golf Challenge: Good Good Vs. Callaway Pros (LINK)

I Challenged Fat Perez & Bryan Bros to a Stroke Play Match (LINK)

Max Homa vs. Tom Kim | The Titleist One Club Challenge with No Laying Up (LINK)

The Final Tournament of 2023 PGA Season - The Tour Championship

Get ready to witness golf's ultimate showdown at East Lake this Sunday, where a single fortunate soul will clutch the Tour Championship trophy and an eye-watering $18 million prize. The FedEx Cup's top 30 contenders are descending upon Atlanta, and in this electrifying mix, European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald must be feeling quite pleased as a handful of European aces take their swings. The charismatic Jon Rahm and the ever-iconic Rory McIlroy are primed to snatch the grand prize, making for an exhilarating showdown.

Tommy Fleetwood, on the other hand, aims to finally grab that elusive PGA Tour victory to wrap up a season that's been a cavalcade of accomplishments. His East Lake hurdle might be too steep due to the handicap system, but his stellar 2023 journey sets the stage for a Ryder Cup role in Italy. Fleetwood faced heartbreak at the Canadian Open and a shared third spot with McIlroy at St. Jude, a tournament showcasing the resurgence of Lucas Glover, who claimed victory at the Wyndham Championship. Glover's story underlines how swiftly fortunes can change. From must-win situations to victory dances, he propelled from zero to hero, making a statement that caught everyone's eye.

As we dive into the dependable, few can dispute McIlroy's presence near the finish line. A hair's breadth away from a US Open triumph, he was edged by the tenacious Wyndham Clark. Criticism aside, McIlroy's unwavering consistency remains awe-inspiring. Amidst 17 PGA Tour starts this season, he triumphed at the CJ Cup and the Scottish Open, his sensational flair shining through. An Arnold Palmer Invitational second place, a WGC Dell Technologies Match Play third, and a shared third at the St. Jude Championship exemplify his prowess. A dozen top-10 finishes out of 15 cuts made speak volumes. His dominance in the Race to Dubai continues, closely tailed by Rahm.

Speaking of consistency, Rahm and Scottie Scheffler join McIlroy in the consistency hall of fame. Rahm's astounding journey began with a bang, snatching victory at the Tournament of Champions and the American Express consecutively. Even a closing 74 at the Farmers Insurance Open couldn't dampen his spirit, landing a resilient third. Rahm's tale reached its crescendo with his second major title at The Masters, and a tied second spot at The Open displayed his mettle despite a shaky start. Meanwhile, Scheffler is operating like a golfing automaton, astonishingly avoiding a single cut in 22 starts. Amidst his two wins, the real marvel is his unwavering weekly excellence. Sixteen top-10 finishes and three instances outside the top 15 highlight his staggering form, echoing echoes of Tiger Woods' prime.

Now, brace yourselves for the Tour Championship's quirky twist: the man with the lowest 72-hole gross score might not clinch victory. The top five tee off with unique under-par starts: Scottie Scheffler at 10 under, Viktor Hovland at 8 under, Rory McIlroy at 7 under, Jon Rahm at 6 under, and Lucas Glover at 5 under.

And as we delve into history, the Tournament Winners' roll call is illustrious: Jordan Spieth (2015), Rory McIlroy (2016, 2019), Xander Schauffele (2017), Tiger Woods (2018), Dustin Johnson (2020), Patrick Cantlay (2021), and Rory McIlroy (2022) have etched their names onto the coveted trophy.

Glancing at the form guide, Viktor Hovland's BMW Championship feat makes him a contender, while Lucas Glover's rejuvenated game, powered by a newfound putter magic, sets him up as a dark horse. McIlroy's indomitable spirit fuels his hope for another FedEx Cup triumph. But amidst these luminaries, Scottie Scheffler shines as the player of 2023. A season of unparalleled consistency cements his status.

Betting prospects, anyone? Our money's on Scottie Scheffler, the reigning force. For those eyeing a broader field, Rory McIlroy's affinity for the Tour Championship makes him a solid "Each Way" choice, while Viktor Hovland's brimming confidence earns him a similar nod. Keep an eye on these five trailblazers: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick with his putting prowess, and Lucas Glover, who seems to be walking on water. Get ready for a Tour Championship that promises nothing short of a golfing spectacle.

Course Spotlight

East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA (Home of The Tour Championship)

1. Historic Roots: East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, boasts a rich history dating back to 1904. It's one of the oldest golf courses in the United States, with its establishment pre-dating many other iconic courses.

2. Bobby Jones' Home: The legendary golfer Bobby Jones, who is considered one of the greatest in the sport's history, called East Lake his home course. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the club, and a statue of him stands near the clubhouse.

3. Rees Jones' Renovation: In 1994, renowned golf course architect Rees Jones undertook a significant renovation of East Lake. His redesign aimed to restore the course's original layout while incorporating modern elements, making it both challenging and fair for professional tournaments.

4. Charitable Focus: East Lake Golf Club is renowned for its commitment to revitalizing the surrounding community. The club's success has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the East Lake neighborhood, demonstrating golf's potential for positive social impact.

5. Playoff Pivot: Since 2004, East Lake has been the permanent host of the PGA Tour's Tour Championship, the culmination of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The course's challenging design and prestige make it a fitting stage for the season's ultimate showdown.

6. Water Hazard Showcase: Water hazards are a defining feature of East Lake. The course is strategically designed with ponds and streams, adding a visual and tactical element to the gameplay. The hazard on the par-3 15th hole is especially famous for adding drama to the competition.

7. Tiger Woods' Triumph: In 2018, Tiger Woods ended his five-year victory drought with a memorable win at the Tour Championship held at East Lake. His triumphant comeback added another chapter to the course's storied history.

8. Bobby Jones Invitational: The annual Bobby Jones Invitational is a prestigious amateur tournament hosted at East Lake. It brings together some of the best amateur golfers from around the world to compete on the historic grounds that are deeply tied to Bobby Jones' legacy.

Upcoming Golf and Odds

The Tour Championship - The Final 30 - East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, GA - Aug 23-27, 2023.