The 2026 PGA TOUR season culminates this week at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, for the TOUR Championship. Following a period of format experimentation, this marks the second year the 30-player field will begin the tournament at even-par, a departure from the prior "starting strokes" system.
PGA TOUR Commissioner Brian Rolapp recently announced a new postseason format slated to begin in 2028, featuring a stroke-play playoff event for the top 90 players, followed by a two-week match-play TOUR Championship for the top 32.
East Lake Golf Club, a 7,455-yard, par-70 course designed by Donald Ross, has hosted the TOUR Championship annually since 2004. Its layout favors long drives, wide fairways, and requires precise iron play for approach shots, with fast Bermuda greens rewarding skillful putting.
Betting Selections
Chris Gotterup, Hideki Matsuyama, and Russell Henley are highlighted as key selections for outright wins and top-10 finishes in the 2026 TOUR Championship. This perspective comes from a golf betting analyst who acknowledges a challenging season for betting.
Chris Gotterup is noted for his consistent performance across various courses and conditions over the past 13 months, securing four wins. His game is described as adaptable, with his recent form showing strong performance in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and driving distance, crucial for East Lake's layout. His putting on Bermuda greens has also been a strength, and his current odds are considered to offer significant value.
Hideki Matsuyama, despite a mixed performance in the previous week's BMW Championship, is positioned as a strong contender based on his model rankings. His game shows proficiency in total scoring, Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green, and ball-striking over recent rounds. While his short game was a recent concern, his driver and iron play have shown improvement, and his putting on Bermuda greens is expected to rebound.
Russell Henley, a native of Georgia and former University of Georgia golfer, is familiar with East Lake's conditions. His recent form includes consistent gains on the greens, particularly on Bermuda surfaces, and a history of improving finishes at the TOUR Championship. He has demonstrated strong overall performance in recent starts, including a win at the Charles Schwab Challenge and a top-10 finish at the British Open, making him an underrated player with favorable odds.
