The 2024 postseason has arrived, and the PGA Tour is poised to commence the FedEx Cup Playoffs at TPC Southwind for the third consecutive year. The St. Jude Championship will set the stage, welcoming the top 70 players from the regular season, each eager to advance their quest for the FedEx Cup.
One of the critical aspects of this championship is its role as the first elimination round. Twenty of these elite contenders will face the abrupt end of their season, reducing the field to 50 players who will advance to the BMW Championship. More significantly, a finish inside the top 50 by the end of the week ensures these golfers a spot in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season.
Notable Names on the Brink
Names like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor are currently teetering on the edge of elimination. Viktor Hovland, currently ranked No. 57, is also in a precarious position despite his impressive third-place finish at the PGA Championship this year. However, Hovland's struggles in approach and around-the-green stats, where he ranks 175th out of 176 players, could be a significant disadvantage.
Scottie Scheffler's Quest for Dominance
Scottie Scheffler stands out as a juggernaut this season, seeking his eighth victory of the year. With ambitions to enter the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season, Scheffler's prowess is undeniable. Alongside him, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy share the limelight, as the trio has collectively amassed ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, players like Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman are all within the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings but have yet to clinch a single victory in 2024. This lack of wins among such high-ranking players underscores the competitiveness of this season.
Course and Championship Details
TPC Southwind, playing to a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards, will host the St. Jude Championship from August 15-18. The tournament not only serves as a crucible for the FedEx Cup Playoffs but also carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, further elevating the stakes for the participants.
Player Performance and Projections
Xander Schauffele's consistency is noteworthy, with no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, TPC Southwind has historically been a tough course for him, with his only top 20 finish dating back to 2020. Conversely, Rory McIlroy boasts four top-12 finishes in seven outings at TPC Southwind, including a T3 finish last year. McIlroy's recent form is equally impressive, with four top-five results in his last six tournaments.
Collin Morikawa has also shown promise at TPC Southwind, securing three top 20s in four appearances. Patrick Cantlay, with three consecutive top-25 finishes, highlights his steady form this season. His top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship indicate he could be a strong contender at the St. Jude Championship.
As the FedEx Cup Playoffs kick-off, the St. Jude Championship promises a blend of high stakes, elite competition, and dramatic eliminations. With the top 70 players vying to extend their season and secure their future on the PGA Tour, viewers can expect a thrilling showcase of golf excellence.