The anticipation for the 2024 postseason is palpable as the PGA Tour makes its annual journey to TPC Southwind. For the third consecutive year, the FedEx Cup Playoffs open with the St. Jude Championship, setting the stage for an epic battle among the top 70 players from the regular season.
This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Of the 70 elite golfers, 20 will see their dreams dashed, with only 50 advancing to the BMW Championship. The promise of securing a spot in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season adds an extra layer of intensity. Those teetering on the brink of elimination include Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor. Meanwhile, Viktor Hovland sits at No. 57 in the standings, facing his own battle to stay in contention.
The Contenders
Scottie Scheffler stands out in the field, seeking his eighth victory this year. He aims to stride into the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third successive season. Alongside him, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy have collectively amassed ten PGA Tour victories in 2024, showcasing their dominance throughout the season.
Other notable names such as Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman have all secured spots within the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings. Despite their impressive standings, this group remains winless in 2024, adding a layer of complexity to their narratives as they seek to break their victory drought.
Battle-Hardened Performers
Xander Schauffele arrives at TPC Southwind with remarkable consistency, having no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Yet, his history at this course is a mixed bag, with only one top 20 finish dating back to 2020. Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, boasts a more favorable record with four top-12 finishes in seven trips to TPC Southwind, including a third-place finish last year. His recent form is formidable, with four top-five results in his last six tournaments.
Viktor Hovland's season has been a roller coaster. Despite securing a third-place finish at the PGA Championship, his performance in approach and around the green stats places him 175th out of 176 players. The Norwegian will undoubtedly need to tighten up those aspects of his game to improve his standing at this crucial juncture.
The Venue
As the players prepare to tackle TPC Southwind, they face a course that plays to a par of 70 and stretches over 7,243 yards. This week’s St. Jude Championship is scheduled from August 15-18 and carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, further intensifying the competition.
Collin Morikawa has already demonstrated his ability to navigate this challenging course, securing three top-20 finishes in his four appearances at TPC Southwind. Patrick Cantlay, another formidable contender, comes in with momentum, having three consecutive top-25 finishes and noteworthy top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
On the Brink
With so much on the line, the pressure will be immense for those teetering near the cutoff. Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor have no margin for error if they wish to keep their 2025 season aspirations alive. Their performances this week could define their careers and futures in the sport.
The St. Jude Championship is not just the beginning of the playoffs; it's a crucible where only the strongest and steadiest will survive and thrive. As the golfing world watches, these athletes will need to summon every ounce of skill, strategy, and resilience to emerge victorious and keep their FedEx Cup dreams alive.