2026 TOUR Championship picks for East Lake: Why Chris Gotterup, Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley stand out
The article previews the 2026 TOUR Championship at East Lake, where all 30 players will begin level par for the second consecutive year after the unpopular starting-strokes system was dropped. It argues that Chris Gotterup, Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley offer attractive betting value, particularly because East Lake’s long, driver-heavy layout should reward strong tee-to-green play and birdie creation.
Gotterup is backed at +2654 to win and +124 for a top-10 finish, supported by his recent form, driving distance and Bermuda putting. Matsuyama is priced at +3200 to win and +146 for a top 10, with the writer highlighting his recent ball-striking despite a disappointing tie for 28th at the BMW Championship; Henley is listed at +3500 to win and +167 for a top 10. The article also notes that the PGA Tour plans a new 2028 play-off format, featuring a 90-player stroke-play event followed by a 32-player match-play championship.
- Gotterup, Matsuyama and Henley are the writer’s East Lake betting selections.
- East Lake is expected to favour long, strong tee-to-green players.
- The PGA Tour plans another play-off format change for 2028.