The PGA Tour’s 2024 postseason teed off at TPC Southwind, marking the third consecutive year the course has hosted the inaugural FedEx Cup Playoff event. As the prestigious St. Jude Championship welcomes the top 70 players from the regular season, the stakes are higher than ever. With 20 players set for elimination, only the top 50 will advance to the BMW Championship and lock in their spots for every PGA Tour signature event in 2025.
A Battle to the Finish
The narrative of who will make the cut and who will bow out is compelling. Notable names such as Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor find themselves on the cusp of elimination. Furthermore, Viktor Hovland stands precariously at No. 57 in the standings. Hovland, who impressed earlier this year with a third-place finish at the PGA Championship, appears to be in a tough spot, ranking 175th out of 176 players in stats on approach and around the green.
Scottie Scheffler's Quest for Dominance
Scottie Scheffler is a name that needs no introduction this season. With seven victories already under his belt, Scheffler is eyeing his eighth win and a commanding entry into the Tour Championship. Having maintained a two-stroke lead going into the Tour Championship for the past two seasons, Scheffler's aim is nothing short of a three-peat. The golfer, along with Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, has notched a staggering ten PGA Tour victories in 2024 alone.
Chasing the Coveted Top 50
The competition among the top 20 players in the FedEx Cup standings is intense. Big names like Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman are all vying for their place. Intriguingly, despite their high standings, none of these players have secured a victory in 2024.
TPC Southwind: A Unique Challenge
TPC Southwind, with its par 70 layout stretching over 7,243 yards, presents a unique challenge for all competitors. This scenic yet demanding course has been a constant test for even the best golfers. The St. Jude Championship, set from August 15-18, carries a lucrative $20 million purse, offering not just glory but significant financial rewards.
Consistent Performers to Watch
Xander Schauffele has been a model of consistency, not finishing outside the top 25 since February’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, it is worth noting that his only top 20 finish at TPC Southwind dates back to 2020. Rory McIlroy, another formidable presence, boasts an impressive record with four top-12 finishes in seven attempts at TPC Southwind, including a T3 finish last year. McIlroy has been in exceptional form with four top-five results in his last six tournaments.
Collin Morikawa, with three top 20 finishes in four appearances at TPC Southwind, will be another player to watch closely. Patrick Cantlay, known for his steady game, has three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
As the St. Jude Championship unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see who emerges victorious and who secures their place in the next round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The pressure is palpable, the stakes immense, and the competition fierce—exactly what makes the PGA Tour so captivating year after year.