The 2024 postseason has arrived, and the PGA Tour's much-anticipated FedEx Cup Playoffs are set to commence at TPC Southwind for the third consecutive year. As the St. Jude Championship gets underway, it gathers the top 70 players from the regular season, creating an atmosphere brimming with high stakes and unwavering competition.
High Stakes at the St. Jude Championship
With a starting field of 70 elite golfers, the St. Jude Championship is not just a battle for the title but also a survival race. As the tournament progresses, 20 of these contenders will face elimination, trimming the roster to 50 ahead of the BMW Championship. Securing a spot within the top 50 by week's end is crucial, as it guarantees participation in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season.
Among those on the bubble are notable names like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor. Viktor Hovland, sitting precariously at No. 57 in the standings, seeks to improve his position. Despite a commendable third-place finish at the PGA Championship this year, Hovland's performance with approach shots and around the greens has been lackluster, ranking 175th out of 176 players in these critical statistics.
Scheffler's Pursuit of Dominance
Scottie Scheffler stands out as a dominant force in this year's season. Chasing his eighth victory of the year, Scheffler is on track to enter the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third consecutive season. Alongside Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy have combined to amass ten PGA Tour victories in 2024, showcasing the high level of competitiveness and talent in this season's field.
Contrastingly, players such as Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman, despite their top 20 standings in the FedEx Cup, have yet to secure a win in 2024. This week represents an opportunity for them to break their victory drought and make a significant impact during the playoffs.
Tradition and Challenge at TPC Southwind
TPC Southwind, playing to a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards, serves as the stage for the St. Jude Championship scheduled from August 15-18. The course demands precision and skill, which are essential in the tight race for playoff positioning. The event also boasts a lucrative purse of $20 million, adding to the intensity and allure of the competition.
For many players, TPC Southwind offers familiar ground. Rory McIlroy, for instance, has enjoyed considerable success here, with four top-12 finishes out of seven appearances. Last year, McIlroy finished tied for third, a testament to his prowess on this course. He comes into the tournament in scintillating form, with four top-five results in his last six tournaments.
Xander Schauffele, too, has been a model of consistency, with no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, his performance at TPC Southwind has been mixed, with his only top 20 finish dating back to 2020. Another notable contender, Collin Morikawa, has secured three top 20s in his four appearances here, indicating his potential to make a strong showing.
Ultimate Showdown
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy, and others who have proven their mettle throughout the season. Patrick Cantlay enters the championship in solid form, boasting three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
With so much on the line, the St. Jude Championship promises to be a thrilling start to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The outcome will shape the landscape for the rest of the postseason, as the top players vie not only for the championship but also for a coveted position in the upcoming BMW Championship and beyond.