Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club: Your Atlanta Guide

The Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club is one of Atlanta’s biggest annual sporting events and the season-ending finale of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning a trip around the tournament, understanding how this event works locally can make your experience smoother, cheaper, and more fun.

This guide walks you through what the Tour Championship is, how it works, what to expect at East Lake Golf Club, and how to navigate tickets, transportation, parking, and nearby Atlanta neighborhoods.

What Is the Tour Championship?

The Tour Championship is the final event of the PGA Tour season and determines the FedExCup champion. It’s played every year at East Lake Golf Club in southeast Atlanta.

Key points:

• Features the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings
• Uses a “starting strokes” format (players start with different scores based on their ranking)
• Takes place late August or early September
• Runs Thursday through Sunday, with practice rounds and events earlier in the week
• Draws large crowds from across metro Atlanta and beyond

For Atlantans, it’s a rare chance to see the very best golfers in the world compete in a high-stakes, season-ending event right in the city.

East Lake Golf Club: Location and Local Context

Address:
East Lake Golf Club
2575 Alston Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30317

East Lake Golf Club sits on Atlanta’s east side, near the East Lake, Kirkwood, and Decatur areas.

Why East Lake Matters to Atlanta

East Lake is more than just a golf course:

• It’s the historic home course of Bobby Jones, one of golf’s legendary figures.
• The club has been part of a broader community revitalization effort in the East Lake neighborhood.
• The Tour Championship’s presence brings national attention and visitors to Atlanta each year.

For locals, tournament week often means increased traffic on the east side, more visitors in nearby restaurants and hotels, and a busy but energetic atmosphere.

When the Tour Championship Happens (Atlanta Timing)

The Tour Championship is usually held:

• Time of year: Late August or early September
• Days: Main competition Thursday–Sunday
• Practice / Pro-Am days: Early in the week (often Tuesday and Wednesday)

Because it falls near the end of Atlanta’s hot summer, be prepared for:

• High heat and humidity
• Occasional afternoon thunderstorms
• Strong sun exposure while walking the course

⭐ Local tip: If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, consider tickets for morning tee times on Thursday or Friday when temperatures are usually lower and crowds can be lighter.

How the Tournament Works (In Simple Terms)

The Tour Championship is different from a regular golf event because of its starting strokes system:

• Players start the week at different scores relative to par based on their FedExCup rank.
• The No. 1 seed begins at -10, No. 2 at -8, and so on, down to players at even par.
• After four days, the leader on the scoreboard wins both the Tour Championship and the FedExCup.

For spectators in Atlanta, this means:

• From Thursday morning, the leaderboard already shows players at different under-par totals.
• You’re effectively watching the season championship and the tournament itself at the same time.

Getting Tickets in Atlanta

Tickets are typically sold as:

• Single-day tickets (Thur–Sun)
• Weekly passes
• Hospitality packages (tented areas, upgraded food and beverage)
• Practice round tickets on earlier days

Tickets are usually digital, so you’ll access them via your phone rather than paper passes.

Atlanta-Specific Ticket Tips

• Plan ahead: Tournament days, especially Saturday and Sunday, can sell out or become pricey.
• Check early in the year: Ticket sales often begin well before summer.
• Consider weekday rounds:Thursday and Friday are popular but may be slightly less crowded than the weekend, making it easier to move around the course.
• Watch for local promotions: Atlanta residents sometimes find special offers through local media or community partners close to tournament week.

Getting to East Lake: Transportation Options

Traffic and parking around East Lake can be the trickiest part for Atlanta spectators. Planning ahead saves you time and stress.

1. Driving and Parking

East Lake is in a residential area with limited on-site public parking. Most years, parking works like this:

• Off-site parking lots (often at large venues or lots away from the course)
• Shuttle buses that take you to a designated spectator entrance

Common patterns:

• You park at a designated remote lot.
• You go through security screening either at the lot or upon arrival at the course.
• A shuttle drops you near the entrance and returns there throughout the day.

✅ What you should do:

• Check parking location details before you leave home.
• Allow extra time for shuttling and security—especially on the weekend.
• Be ready for a short walk from shuttle drop-off to the course.

2. MARTA + Rideshare / Shuttle

East Lake does not sit directly on a MARTA rail line, but some Atlantans use a combination strategy:

• Take MARTA to a convenient station (like Decatur, Edgewood/Candler Park, or Kensington) and then:
  • Use a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to a designated rideshare zone near the course, or
  • Take a pre-arranged shuttle, if offered that year.

⭐ Local tip: Using MARTA to get close, then rideshare for the final leg, can reduce parking hassles and long shuttle waits.

3. Rideshare Directly

During tournament week, there is typically a designated rideshare pick-up/drop-off area near East Lake.

If you live intown (e.g., Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Decatur), rideshare may be the simplest option:

• No need to park
• Drop-off often closer than remote lots
• Fewer logistics to manage

Budget for surge pricing around the end of play each day when many spectators leave at once.

What to Expect on the Course

East Lake Golf Club during the Tour Championship feels like a compact sports festival:

• Grandstands and bleachers on key holes
• Concession tents and food areas
• Merchandise shops
• Roped-off fairways and greens for player viewing

Course Layout Basics (Spectator View)

You don’t need to know every hole, but it helps to understand:

• First tee and 18th green: Major crowd magnets, especially in the afternoon.
• Par-3 viewing areas: Popular because you can see full shots and putts from one location.
• Natural hills and mounds: Offer elevated viewing spots where you can see multiple holes.

Many Atlantans like to:

• Pick a green or tee box and camp out for several groups, or
• Follow a featured group (like a big-name player) for several holes.

Dress Code and What to Wear in Atlanta Weather

Atlanta in late summer can be hot and humid, often with high UV index. The course is mostly open, with limited shade.

Recommended clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable shirts (performance fabrics are ideal)
• Comfortable walking shoes (golf shoes not required; sneakers are common)
• Hat or visor and sunglasses
• Rain jacket or poncho if the forecast shows storms

⭐ Pack for Atlanta heat:

• Use sunscreen generously and reapply.
• Drink water frequently even if you don’t feel thirsty yet.
• Wear light colors to reflect heat.

Some items may be allowed in small bags, such as:

• Small collapsible chairs or seat cushions
• Clear bags or small purses (depending on the event’s bag policy)

Always check that year’s official prohibited items list before you go, as rules can change.

What You Can (and Can’t) Bring

Policies can vary slightly year to year, but expect security screening similar to large sporting events.

Common patterns:

Allowed (with limitations):

• Cell phones (typically on vibrate or silent; phone calls restricted to certain areas)
• Small bags within a specified size limit
• Small clear bags for personal items
• Collapsible chairs (seat only, no large frames, and sometimes only with tournament-approved carrying bags)

Typically not allowed:

• Large backpacks or duffel bags
• Coolers and outside alcohol
• Large umbrellas with spikes (depending on conditions and rules)
• Weapons or sharp objects

⭐ Atlanta-specific tip: Because many people arrive by shuttle, you won’t want to be turned away at security and walk all the way back. Pack light and follow official size guidelines.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities on Site

During the Tour Championship, East Lake features:

• Multiple concession stands (food, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer)
• Select specialty food vendors
• Restroom stations throughout the property
• Water refill stations in some areas

Food options are designed to be stadium-style and quick, suitable for eating on the go or while standing.

Practical advice:

• Eat something before you arrive or right when you get there to avoid midday crowds.
• Plan hydration breaks—Atlanta heat plus walking can be draining.
• Expect cashless transactions at most points of sale.

Family-Friendly Considerations

Many Atlanta families bring kids to the Tour Championship for a day trip.

Helpful things to know:

• Children under a certain age may enter free with a ticketed adult (age and limit can vary by year).
• There may be kid-focused areas or activations on-site.
• The walking can be a lot for younger children; consider:
  • Strollers (if allowed)
  • Shady rest breaks
  • Shorter visits during morning hours

⭐ Local tip: If you’re coming from further suburbs (like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Peachtree City), plan for drive time + shuttle time + walking time so kids aren’t exhausted before seeing any golf.

Where to Stay: Neighborhoods and Hotel Areas

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the Tour Championship (or staying in-town to avoid commuting each day), several areas are convenient:

Downtown Atlanta

• Closest to major attractions (World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena)
• Plenty of large hotels
• Reasonable distance for driving or rideshare to East Lake

Midtown

• Central location, lively restaurants and nightlife
• Easy access to MARTA rail and other parts of the city
• Good base if you want to explore Atlanta outside of golf

Decatur

• Closer to East Lake geographically
• Walkable downtown with local restaurants and shops
• Often quieter than Downtown/Midtown but very convenient for the east side

Eastside Atlanta Neighborhoods

Areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points offer:

• Proximity to East Lake by car or rideshare
• Many local eateries, coffee shops, and bars
• A more “neighborhood” feel compared to hotel districts

Traffic, Road Closures, and Local Impact

During tournament week, residents and visitors around East Lake may notice:

• Increased traffic on Memorial Dr, Glenwood Ave, 2nd Ave, and nearby surface streets
• Temporary street closures near the club and shuttle zones
• More pedestrian activity in the East Lake neighborhood

If you live nearby:

• Check for neighborhood access information in advance.
• Allow additional time for commuting during the tournament, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

If you’re visiting:

• Use navigation apps and follow event signage and police direction.
• Some routes may be adjusted to prioritize shuttles and resident access.

Watching Without a Ticket (From Atlanta)

You don’t have to be on-site at East Lake to enjoy the Tour Championship as an Atlantan:

• Television coverage runs throughout the week, often with extra coverage on weekend afternoons.
• Many Atlanta sports bars and restaurants in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, West Midtown, and Decatur show the tournament.
• Some locals enjoy the atmosphere by:
  • Watching at home, then
  • Visiting the area around the course for dinner or drinks after play (while avoiding peak traffic times around gates).

Simple At-a-Glance Guide for Atlanta Spectators

How Atlantans Typically Make the Most of Tournament Week

Whether you’re a long-time local or visiting for the first time, common strategies include:

• Choosing one or two key days (often Friday and Sunday) instead of the entire week
• Arriving early to explore multiple holes before the crowds thicken
• Spending afternoons in shaded viewing spots or hospitality areas
• Pairing golf with:
  • Dinner in Decatur or along Memorial Drive
  • A visit to Piedmont Park, BeltLine, or downtown attractions on non-golf days

If you plan around Atlanta’s heat, traffic, and neighborhood layout, the Tour Championship can be one of the city’s most enjoyable annual events—whether you’re there in person at East Lake or enjoying it from elsewhere in town.