HOLE 7
495 YDS - PAR 4
The clearing enabled Green to expand the fairway down the right side. The former strand of bunkers on the left were combined onto a single bunker projecting into the landing area, coupled with a second bunker staggered on the right. This pair act as gatekeepers to the hole that will kick drives toward the right rough, though Tour players can carry the left bunker with a 320-yard tee shot.
The hole has been dramatically opened up due to significant tree removal on the right side where a small forest beginning 175 yards from the green was essentially clear cut. This opens up unobstructed views to downtown Atlanta on a clear day, which were always there but mostly blocked out.
The now wide-open green, set behind a cross bunker similar to what Ross had built, sits lower than it did before. Subtle ridges on the squared-off putting surface separate front-back and left-right corners, creating distinct hole locations in each quadrant.
PRE-RESTORATION
If there’s an “ah-ha!” moment regarding Green’s work, it comes at the downhill seventh, arguably East Lake’s most breathtaking change.
