- FedExCup Points: 50,000
- Purse: $1.26 million
- Winning Share: $1,260,000
- Yards: 7,154
PGATOUR.com Site Producer
The PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup enter the fourth and final week with the 30 best players out there on board. As the field changes pace, so does the location. This week, we head to the South for The TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Ga.
It may be almost fall, but the weather's still steamy down South. The FedExCup champion will be decided under high pressure and a hot sun, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying yourself while golf's finest battle it out at East Lake Golf Club.
WHERE TO SNOOZE
Southern Comfort: For all the trappings of warm, Southern hospitality, you can't try anything less than the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. The five-star hotel, located 15 minutes from the course, offers fine dining, spacious rooms, city views and, of course, a spa.
Prepare to pay: Depending on which nights you stay, you'll spend between $420 and $610 a day on average at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. This sounds like a steal after last week's top Chicago hotel, right?
Take it down a notch: While no one could call an Omni hotel "cheap," you can, however, get a good deal for your money at the four-star Omni Hotel at CNN Center. Only 15 minutes from East Lake and a handy walk from many downtown attractions, the Omni fits the bill if you're looking for classy yet convenient.
Prepare to pay: A stay at the Omni should set you back between $130 and $150 a night, which will surprise you when you see it. I have paid that much to stay in your standard need-a-hotel-for-the-night places, and the Omni Hotel at CNN Center certainly can't be considered standard.
Atlanta's best value: If you're looking for some SPF 50 for your wallet this week, you won't have to try too hard. Unlike New York, Boston and Chicago, this big city has plenty of options. Book a room at the Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Dunwoody, which is about a 20-minute drive from the tournament. It's a three-star hotel and close to restaurants and shopping just outside of downtown.
Prepare to pay: Not only do you get more space at the Residence Inn -- the rooms are suites with kitchenettes -- you save yourself money. A stay here will cost between $85 and $110 a night.
Georgia's capital city happens to be one of the biggest in the South, and its nickname isn't Hotlanta for nothing. Yes, the weather sends you reaching for the a/c dial, but the real reason Atlanta is hot is that you can do just about anything here. The only downside to visiting? The airport. Expect delays.
THURSDAY
One of the few tourist favorites that Atlanta does not offer is the ocean. But that shouldn't stop you from going into the deep. The Georgia Aquarium boasts the title of largest aquarium in America, so if you can't go to the ocean -- bring it to you. From little-bitty fishies to big ol' beluga whales, you can see all you've heard about and more.
| Fish 'n' tacos |
Swimming works up an appetite -- even if you're not the one in the water -- so you'll need to make plans to feed that hungry belly. If you've ever spent any time in Texas, you will have heard of Taco Cabana. You might wonder why I am mentioning the lone star state when the peach state hosts this week's event. Well, Taco Cabana is quite possibly one of my favorite places to eat (I love Mexican food), and the only part of the country I have found a Cabana outside of Texas is Atlanta.
Technically, Taco Cabana falls under the fast-food category, but that doesn't begin to cover it. Fresh salsa and cilantro bar, scratch-made tortillas, cheesey-licious queso -- need I say more? If you enjoy Mexican food, you cannot miss Taco Cabana. My dinner suggestion: Fajita-taco combo with steak and chicken -- slather on the salsa verde and cilantro to give it a kick. Oh I am jealous just writing about it.
| Isn't she precious? |
FRIDAY
Remember how Boston was all about sports? This week's host is shaping up to be all about Mexican food. That may sound a little odd, but bear with me. While Taco Cabana steals my heart as best south-of-the-border cuisine, PGATOUR.com's Lauren Deason has her own preferences. Any time she is in Atlanta, you can't keep her away from Agave.
A southwestern-style restaurant with a margarita list too long to safely sample them all, Agave pleases both drink lovers and food lovers of the Tex-Mex genre. They also have a wide wine list, have been ranked high in Atlanta's top 100 restaurants and offer only the best service. After you've eaten your spicy fill, the fun can begin.
What do you think of Atlanta so far? Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful? Mr. Stevie Wonder graces the Southern city with his presence Friday night at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre. I can't think of a better person to see playing live and fabulous during the final weekend of the Playoffs.
I feel like I should be giving you reasons to buy a ticket to this man's show, but I can't think of anything persuasive to say. It's Stevie Wonder. Do you need any other reason? Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. You'd seriously be a fool to miss it.
SATURDAY
You're probably sick of Mexican food by now, so I won't make you eat anymore (by the way, I never get sick of Mexican food). But how about some German cuisine this evening? If you have never been to a German restaurant, you're missing out. Not only does the food taste great, the atmosphere is like no other. I first experienced German dining at the Hofbrau House in Newport, Ky., which lies just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. I joined in the sing along and ate some delicious schnitzel. All in all, a great time.
| German Spectacular |
Atlanta does not have a Hofbrau House, but you can give Bavarian cooking a try at The Village Corner Restaurant and Bakery. Located in Stone Mountain Park, which is roughly 20 minutes east of the golf course, this German restaurant offers schnitzels galore (and plenty of other foods in case you are afraid to try). If you have enough room for an appetizer before your meal, definitely give the potato pancakes a shot -- so good.
After dinner, since you drove all the way out to Stone Mountain Park, take in the world's largest laser show. The light show lasts around 45 minutes and is free with your $8 ticket to park. You can relax on the lawn while the mountain side becomes nature's canvas for man-made beauty. It may not be Stevie Wonder, but the music should get your feet tapping anyway.
SUNDAY
By the time you reach Sunday evening, not only will you have you seen four weeks of the world's best golfers on their A game, you will also have seen the crowning of the PGA TOUR's first-ever FedExCup champion. A pretty special occasion calls for a pretty special celebration.
| Brazilian Party |
Atlanta's Fogo De Chão restaurant, situated around a 20-minute drive from East Lake Golf Course, will make your taste buds dance around like the winner of the $10 million bonus. Meat doesn't thrill everyone, but for those who like nothing more than a hunk of juicy steak on their plates, Fogo De Chão feels like fire-roasted heaven. (Plenty of sides and veggies come with the meat platters, too.)
Brazilian cuisine elevates a meat eater to carnivorous paradise. You will literally be presented with 15 different cuts of meat (bottomless servings) cooked just the way you want them, and the sides keep on coming with them. To wash it all down nice and smoothly, try a glass -- or a bottle -- from the restaurant's extensive, award-winning wine list. While I may be singularly odd in my quest to avoid all foods green in color, I think anyone would agree that a meal at Fogo De Chão epitomizes the notion of a celebration.
STICKING AROUND?
While the weather stays warmer for longer in these parts, it will turn chilly soon enough. Take advantage of the Southern sun and use your spare time in Atlanta out in the fresh air. Six Flags Over Georgia gets you out and about, and (did I mention?) scared out of your mind.
| Nerves of steel? |
The park is about 20 minutes outside of downtown Atlanta, and since the kids already returned to school, lines shouldn't take any longer than the drive out there. Keep your cool on the family rides or test your nerves with the thrill seekers -- Six Flags Over Georgia has it all. From the Georgia Scorcher to the Fearless Freeps Dare Devil Dive, you will scream your lungs out and wish you hadn't eaten lunch.
If rides make you want to close your eyes and wish it would all go away, then, literally, have no fear. You can also watch shows, shop and eat (without risk of rollercoaster-induced nausea) at this Six Flags location all the while laughing at those who brave the rides and come off looking greener than the fairways at East Lake Golf Course.
