Xander Schauffele is in a superb position in the FedExCup Playoffs ahead of the finale at the Tour Championship.
Schauffele has a superb record at East Lake, although the Atlanta course has undergone a major restoration ahead of the Tour Championship.
The American is in high spirits ahead of the event, with Schauffele predicting his caddie to ‘shine’ at East Lake in Georgia.
It is, however, Schauffele’s compatriot and world number one Scottie Scheffler who leads the leaderboard going into the tournament.
Scheffler has a two stroke advantage over Schauffele, although that could rapidly change given the players are heading into the unknown.
How will Xander Schauffele play the eighth hole at East Lake?
As per the PGA Tour website, greens with unique slopes and shapes will be in play, with a handful of putting surfaces moved to give holes more curve.
Another major change involves hole eight, which has been turned into a short par four, which is potentially drivable, while there are many strategically placed traps.
Schauffele has now shared his plans for the hole, saying in his Tour Championship press conference: “I think they’re going to make it drivable one day, which will be interesting. If it’s drivable, I think I definitely plan on hitting driver.
“Used to be a pretty intimidating tee shot with that wind left to right. It still is, but just because it’s drivable it feels like it’s easier potentially.
“You can hit it in that right bunker and try and get up and down from there. But if the tee is back, it’s going to be a 4-iron or a hybrid for me kind of up that right side, and kind of play from there.
“I guess it used to be driver, 9-iron or pitching wedge, I think, and now you’re effectively maybe hitting the same club in but just less off the tee.”
Can Xander Schauffele beat Scottie Scheffler at the Tour Championship?
East Lake’s hole 14 has gone in a different direction to number eight, having been stretched from a long par four into a par five, while more movement is expected in the fairways.
Other changes include views of the East Lake and Atlanta skyline being restored, in what is certain to be an exhilarating competition.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Tour Championship
Schauffele will begin the tournament on eight under, with the American looking to clinch his third win of 2024.
Scheffler meanwhile boasts six wins for the season, with the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal winner starting the Tour Championship on 10 under.
While others – including Scheffler – have had an up and down FedExCup Playoff experience so far, Schauffele has been consistent, with T2 and T5 finishes.
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