Too Many Pars, Too Little Separation: Scheffler Takes Aim At East Lake Challenge

Scottie Scheffler believes the revamped East Lake Golf Club is making it difficult for players to create separation at the Tour Championship, with the leaderboard remaining tightly packed after 54 holes.

Scheffler’s concerns were highlighted by the remarkable numbers on the par-3 ninth. In 87 attempts over the first three rounds, players managed only two birdies and six bogeys, while 79 players made par.

“That seems very high,” Scheffler said. “It’s almost like let’s just skip it at this point. If we’re all going to make par, what’s the point in playing the hole?”

There was some movement late in the third round, with Viktor Hovland shooting a 65 to take a one-shot lead over Ryan Gerard, who remained bogey-free while carding a 66. However, the tournament has largely been defined by a lack of separation.

Rory McIlroy, who fired a brilliant 63 to move within five shots of the lead, also felt the previous version of East Lake did more to spread the field. He pointed to the wider layout and reduced penalties for missed shots.

McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg compared the tournament to the PGA Championship at Aronimink, where a large group remained within striking distance. Aberg made seven birdies in a 65 despite beginning his round with a double bogey.

Scheffler, one of golf’s premier ball-strikers, said the large greens, slopes and pins tucked near edges force players to balance aggression with caution. He argued that modern courses often have wider fairways and larger greens, with difficult pin positions used to protect par.

The ninth hole, stretched to 270 yards, again produced little drama on Saturday: one birdie, one bogey and 27 pars, reinforcing Scheffler’s concerns about the course’s ability to separate the field.