Viktor Hovland is aiming to defend his FedEx Cup title this week and he’s been among those having his say on the new design at East Lake.
The Norwegian is among a number of players looking to produce four days of stunning golf to take home the Tour Championship and finish the year in the best way possible.
For Hovland, one of the challenges will be adjusting to a new course layout despite him actually winning at East Lake in 2023.
A number of current pros have already been commenting on how good the greens will be, while Tommy Fleetwood has been spotted out on course practicing a range of wedge shots.
It very much looks like it could be all to play for then and speaking about the new course design, Hovland has admitted he’s been really surprised by what he’s seen.
Viktor Hovland shares his immediate reaction to the new East Lake course layout
Hovland was speaking to the media about a whole range of subjects but one topic dominated the conversation.
And when asked to give his immediate thoughts on the changes at East Lake, Hovland admitted it had really shocked him.
“I only played the front yesterday and just as soon as I walked on the property I was shocked. It looks nothing like it used to,” Hovland commented.
“Seems like he’s basically changed every single hole out there. So it was just kind of wild, how much you can change the holes without moving the holes around.
“It’s all kind of in the same place but yet none of the holes look exactly the same.”
New East Lake design could be a leveller
Despite the format of the Tour Championship meaning players start at different scores, the fact we have a new course design could well help that be less of a factor.
Yes, the players will get time to play and practice but for someone like Hovland, he won’t be able to dig into the memory bank from last year.
That could well be vital as the players look to chase down the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele at the top.
East Lake, then, could well spring a few surprises or two on the world’s best this week.
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