PGA Tour Implements Preferred Lies at East Lake After 0.5 Inch of Rain

Q: Could the notoriously thick, waterlogged Bermuda rough at East Lake completely derail Scottie Scheffler's quest for the season-ending title?

Yes — it could, but it is unlikely to completely undo Scottie Scheffler unless his driver deserts him for multiple rounds. The threat is real because East Lake’s Bermuda rough is reportedly especially thick this week, and the rain has made it heavier and more penal. Scheffler himself noted the rough was thick, and in saturated conditions that grass can grab the club, reduce control and make approach shots far less predictable. With all 30 players starting the Tour Championship at even par, there is no FedExCup cushion to absorb mistakes. At the same time, the setup also plays to Scheffler’s strengths. Preferred lies are in effect in the fairways, which rewards players who drive it accurately by letting them clean and place the ball on closely mown areas. The course is soft, greens are slower, and wind is expected to stay light. That means players who keep the ball in play can still attack. Scheffler remains one of the best tee-to-green players in the world and has a strong East Lake record, including his 2024 FedExCup title. His bigger concern may be cumulative pressure from any combination of rough penalties, weather interruptions and lingering effects from recent illness, though he said he is about 95% recovered from hand, foot and mouth disease. So the rough is a genuine equalizer, not a Scheffler-specific trap. If he drives it poorly, it can absolutely cost him the title. If he finds fairways at his normal rate, the conditions may actually favor him more than hurt him.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 27

Nearly half an inch of rain before Thursday’s start pushed the PGA Tour to allow preferred lies in Round 1 at the Tour Championship, with rain still falling as play began at East Lake.
Preferred lies let players lift, clean and place balls in closely mown areas, a rule used to counter mud and soggy fairways; for 2026, the placement area was tightened to scorecard length.
A 50% lightning risk and possible afternoon downpours on Thursday could further disrupt play, while Friday carries a 55% chance of rain and more thunderstorm risk.
Soft conditions may cut both ways at East Lake: thicker Bermuda rough and slower greens raise the penalty for missed fairways, but players who stay in the short grass could post lower scores.