East Lake not doing players any favors

When officials get a little sadistic, they can dust off the tee at the sixth hole that sits behind East Lake. The move dramatically changes the hole from a docile par 3 that plays 168 yards into a 200-yarder that requires a full carry with a long iron over water.

The new tee was added in 2004, but not used in the tournament until last year. This week it’s been used twice.

Officials used the back set of tees on Thursday and it played 213 yards to an average of 3.167 strokes, making it the sixth-toughest hole of the day. It gave up six birdies, six bogeys and one double bogey.

It was no better on Friday, when it played from 204 yards. Only four players made birdie in the second round: Chad Campbell, Sergio Garcia, Trevor Immelman and Hunter Mahan, who nestled his shot to within three feet.

Low Aussie

When Robert Allenby was walking to the 10th tee, he spotted cbssportsline.com golf writer Steve Elling standing near the ropes. While passing by, Allenby made fun of the plaid shorts the reporter was wearing. With the mood lightened, Allenby went on to shoot a 66, matching his career best at East Lake.

Best shot

The 18th hole doesn’t offer many birdie opportunities. The best shot struck Friday on the 233-yard par 3 came off the club of Ken Duke, who got it within 10 feet. Duke made the putt to shoot 69, an eight-shot improvement over the first round.

Best shot from the wrong fairway

Ernie Els played to the ninth green from the first fairway. After yanking his second shot left into the adjacent fairway, Els had 148 yards to the flag. His approach settled 16 feet from the hole and he two-putted for par.

Ryder reflux

Four members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team have fallen near the bottom after two rounds. Stewart Cink (73) and Steve Stricker (74) are tied for 25th at 8-over 148, Hunter Mahan (75) is in 28th at 9 over and Kenny Perry (75) is 29th at 11 over.

All are grateful for Tim Clark, who shot 74 and is in last place at 12 over. Clark’s demise is surprising; he tied for seventh last year.

Vijay watch

Vijay Singh blazed his way to a 4-over 74, which leaves him at 7 over par and tied for 23rd. Singh now need only complete 36 holes to claim the $10 million FedEx Cup bonus.