The anticipation for the 2024 postseason is palpable as the PGA Tour makes its annual pilgrimage to TPC Southwind, kicking off the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year. The St. Jude Championship, scheduled from August 15-18, serves as the opening act, featuring the top 70 players from the regular season. These golfers are vying for a share of the lucrative $20 million purse, but more importantly, for a coveted spot in the BMW Championship.
The Battle for Top 50
Only the top 50 players by week's end will advance, securing their positions in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season. Names like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor are currently teetering on the brink of elimination. Meanwhile, Viktor Hovland finds himself at No. 57 in the standings, despite his impressive third-place finish at this year's PGA Championship. Hovland’s struggle is particularly glaring when considering his ranking of 175th out of 176 players in stats on approach and around the green.
All Eyes on Scheffler
Among the elite, Scottie Scheffler stands out, continuing his quest for an eighth victory this year. Scheffler aims to dominate the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season. With ten PGA Tour victories in 2024, Scheffler, alongside Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, have set a high bar for the competition.
Intriguingly, Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman are all inside the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings yet have zero victories this year. The narrative of their seasons could undergo a dramatic shift at TPC Southwind.
Insights from Southwind
The TPC Southwind course, stretching over 7,243 yards and playing to a par of 70, presents its challenges and opportunities. Xander Schauffele, who has no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, has seen mixed results at this venue. His only top 20 finish at Southwind dates back to 2020. Conversely, Rory McIlroy has demonstrated consistent excellence, with four top-12 finishes in seven trips to the course, including a T3 finish last year. McIlroy's current form is nothing short of remarkable, boasting four top-five results in his last six tournaments.
Collin Morikawa has also etched a respectable record at TPC Southwind, securing three top 20 finishes in four appearances. Patrick Cantlay, known for his steady play, comes into the Championship with three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at both the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
As the tournament unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Golfers are not only competing for immediate glory but also for long-term security and prestige on the PGA Tour. The pilgrimage to TPC Southwind, rich in tradition and competition, promises to deliver unforgettable moments and reshape the landscape of the 2024 PGA Tour season.