TOUR Championship 2025 at East Lake Golf Club (Aug 21–24): Format Changes, Field, Schedule, Course Guide & How to Watch
Published: August 20, 2025 • Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Quick facts: The PGA TOUR season finale returns to East Lake Golf Club from August 21–24, 2025. In 2025 the TOUR eliminated the “starting strokes” format — all 30 players begin at even par, and the 72-hole winner is the FedExCup Champion. Purse: $40M; Winner’s bonus: $10M. Par: 70; Yardage: ~7,440 yards.
What is the TOUR Championship?
The TOUR Championship is the PGA TOUR’s season finale and the culmination of the FedExCup Playoffs. It features the top 30 players in the season-long standings competing at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner at East Lake lifts the FedExCup and secures a five-year PGA TOUR exemption plus the season’s largest bonus payout. :
What’s New in 2025 (Format)
- No more starting strokes: The staggered-start format introduced in 2019 has been removed for 2025. All players start at even par; the 72-hole low score wins the FedExCup. :contentReference}
- Payouts (headline): Total purse/bonus pool of about $40 million with $10 million to the champion. (Exact distribution may vary by official release.) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Dates: Thursday–Sunday, August 21–24, 2025, East Lake GC, Atlanta. :
Dates & Daily Schedule
Thursday–Sunday (Aug 21–24): 18 holes per day, 72-hole stroke play. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Broadcast windows (typical): Golf Channel early; NBC on the weekend late windows; streams via broadcaster apps depending on your region. Check local listings for Morocco or your market. :contentReference
Field & How Players Qualify
The field is capped at 30 players—the leaders in FedExCup points after the first two playoff events. There is no cut at East Lake; all 30 compete for four rounds. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Context: Power rankings and preview notes highlight a star-studded finale with FedExCup leader Scottie Scheffler and three-time FedExCup winner Rory McIlroy among the headliners. :contentReference
East Lake Course Guide (Par 70, ~7,440 yards)
East Lake is a demanding par-70 layout that emphasizes precision off the tee, long-iron approaches, and smart strategy on fast Bermudagrass greens. For 2025, the setup returns as a par-70 around 7,440 yards. :
- Surface & feel: Zoysia fairways feed into Bermuda rough and quick greens—placing a premium on approach play and lag putting. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Signature stretch: Mid- to long par-4s dominate; par-3s can be wind-sensitive; late holes reward bold but accurate shot-making. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Hole-by-hole visuals: Official East Lake/TOUR pages provide an interactive tour of each hole. :contentReference
How to Watch (TV & Streaming)
U.S. coverage typically runs on Golf Channel (Thu–Fri, early Sat/Sun) and NBC (weekend finishing windows), plus streaming via broadcaster apps. International availability varies—check local listings for your country. :contentReference
Key 2025 Storylines & Contenders
- Fresh format = pure 72-hole test: With everyone starting level, form and course fit should decide it—no built-in advantage. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- FedExCup heavyweights: Scheffler (FedExCup leader) seeks to cap a dominant season; McIlroy hunts a record fourth FedExCup. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Course fits matter: East Lake rewards elite tee-to-green numbers and par-4 scoring. :contentReference
Tip for fans: Track strokes-gained approach and par-4 scoring this week to spot movers up the board. :
FAQ
Is the staggered start gone?
Yes. For 2025 the TOUR removed starting strokes. Everyone begins at even par; the 72-hole winner is the FedExCup Champion. :contentReference
What are the course par and yardage?
East Lake is set up as a par-70 around 7,440 yards for the TOUR Championship. :contentReference
What are the purse and winner’s bonus?
Headline payout is about $40M with $10M to the winner (per multiple outlets; always verify the final PGA TOUR release). :contentReference
How big is the field?
The TOUR Championship field is capped at just 30 players — making it one of the most exclusive events in professional golf. Qualification is determined strictly by the FedExCup standings following the BMW Championship. Only the top 30 in points secure their place at East Lake.
Unlike most PGA TOUR tournaments, there is no cut at the TOUR Championship, so every golfer plays all four rounds. This format ensures that the FedExCup season finale always features the very best performers of the year, competing directly for the title. Learn more about the official TOUR Championship format.
Because the field is so limited, every shot carries massive weight. A single swing can shift millions of dollars in prize money and FedExCup bonus payouts. The lineup regularly includes superstars like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jon Rahm, giving fans a concentrated showdown of elite talent.
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