Golf Playoffs: Everything you need to know about the PGA Tour FedEx Cup

The FedEx Cup Golf Playoffs are one of the highlights of the PGA Tour season, bringing together the best golfers in the world to compete for the prestigious FedEx Cup. This guide covers everything you need to know about the playoffs, from their history and format to the key tournaments and players to watch. Whether you're a die-hard golf fan or new to the sport, this guide will help you understand the excitement and significance of this event.

Key Takeaways

• The FedEx Cup Playoffs consist of three key tournaments: the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the BMW Championship, and the TOUR Championship.
• The Winner of the Tour Championship takes home $25 Million in Prize Money.
• Qualification for the playoffs is based on a points system, with the top 70 players making it to the first event, 50 advancing to the second, and 30 competing in the final.
• Top players to watch include current leaders like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffelle and Rory McIlroy, as well as rising stars and past champions.
• The format and structure of the playoffs have evolved over the years, making them more competitive and exciting for both players and fans.

Understanding the Fedex Cup Golf Playoffs

The FedEx Cup Golf Playoffs are a thrilling conclusion to the PGA Tour season, where the best golfers compete for a massive prize and the Fedex Cup title. Tour members earn FedexCup points based on their finish at each tournament, with an emphasis placed on wins and high finishes. The top 70 players in the standings advance to the playoffs, making every tournament crucial.

History and Evolution

The Fedex Cup Playoffs began in 2007, revolutionizing the PGA Tour by introducing a season-long points race culminating in a playoff series. Over the years, the format has seen several changes, including reducing the number of playoff events from four to three in 2019. The most significant change was the introduction of a strokes-based format for the Tour Championship, which determines the Fedex Cup champion. The playoffs not only provide thrilling competition but also highlight the importance of consistent performance throughout the PGA Tour season.

Points System Explained

The Fedex Cup Playoffs use a points system to determine which players qualify. Throughout the regular season, golfers earn points based on their performance in various tournaments. The better they perform, the more points they accumulate. At the end of the regular season, the top 70 players in the Fedex Cup standings advance to the playoffs. Regular season performance is crucial for making it to the playoffs. Players must consistently perform well to stay within the top 70 in the standings. This means that every tournament counts, and even a single bad performance can impact a player's chances of qualifying. The season-long points standings help determine who keeps their PGA Tour cards and who is eligible for the Fedex Cup Playoffs come August.

Top Players to Watch in the Fedex Cup Playoffs

Current Standings and Favorites

Scottie Scheffler is in first, followed closely by Xander Schauffele. Scottie and Xander have both had outstanding years and should be right near the top on the final Sunday.

1. Scottie Scheffler
2. Xander Schauffele
3. Rory McIlroy
4. Colin Morikowa
5. Wyndham Clark

Rising Stars

While the favorites are always in the spotlight, there are several rising stars and dark horses to keep an eye on. Players like Ludvig Aberg, Sahith Theegala, and Robert McIntyre have shown great potential and could finish at or near the top of the leaderboard.

Past Champions

Past champions like Rory McIlroy and Victor Hovland have a history of performing well in the Fedex Cup Playoffs. Rory McIlroy, in particular, has won the Fedex Cup three times and is known for his ability to perform under pressure. Hovland won last year's golf playoffs with back to back wins to finish the season.

YouTube: Highlights | Round 4 | TOUR Championship | 2023

Venues Hosting the Fedex Cup Playoffs

TPC Southwind

The FedEx St. Jude Championship kicks off the playoffs at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. This course is known for its challenging layout and has been a staple in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Golfers face a mix of water hazards and tight fairways, making accuracy crucial.

Castle Pines Golf Club

The BMW Championship takes place at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Pines, Colorado. This Jack Nicklaus designed course is known for its scenic views and drastic elevation changes.

East Lake Golf Club

The final event, the TOUR Championship, is held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. As the home of the Tour Championship since 2005, East Lake is iconic in the golf world. The course's strategic design tests every aspect of a golfer's game, from driving to putting. Each of these venues offers a unique challenge, ensuring that only the best golfers advance through the playoffs.

Broadcast and Media Coverage of the Fedex Cup Playoffs

Television and Streaming Options

The Fedex Cup Playoffs are broadcast on NBC, Espn+ and Golf Channel. For streaming, you can find the action on Peacock or PGA TOUR Live from ESPN+. Fans can also find playoff content on the official PGA Tour accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram which provide real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.

Memorable Moments in Fedex Cup Playoff History

Iconic Wins and Comebacks

One of the most iconic wins in FedEx Cup history was Rory McIlroy's stunning victory in 2022. Trailing by six strokes entering the final round, McIlroy managed to chase down Scottie Scheffler. This win made McIlroy the first player to win three different FedEx Cups. Patrick Cantlay finished out a strong 2021 with the FedEx Cup Title. He won a 6 hole playoff against Bryson DeChambeau in the BMW Championship before beating Jon Rahm in the Tour Championship to secure the FedEx Cup.