The 2024 postseason has commenced as the PGA Tour returns to TPC Southwind, setting the stage for the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third year in a row. The St. Jude Championship, happening from August 15-18, welcomes the top 70 players from the regular season, each vying for their spot in the next round of the playoffs.
The Battle for the BMW Championship
The intensity is palpable as these elite golfers aim to finish within the top 50 by week's end, a crucial target that ensures their participation in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season. However, for twenty of these contenders, the journey will come to an abrupt halt.
Names teetering on the brink of elimination include Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor, all of whom face immense pressure to perform. Viktor Hovland, currently positioned at No. 57 in the standings, also finds himself in a precarious situation. Despite a commendable third-place finish at the PGA Championship earlier this year, Hovland struggles with his stats, ranking 175th out of 176 players on approach and around the green.
Spotlight on Top Contenders
At the other end of the spectrum, Scottie Scheffler remains a dominant force, seeking his eighth victory of the year. Scheffler aims to stride into the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third consecutive season. His impressive performance is mirrored by Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy; together, these three have amassed ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
Though they have been consistent, some top-tier golfers are yet to secure a win this year. Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman, all within the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings, have not clinched a single victory in 2024. Nevertheless, their consistent performances ensure they remain formidable competitors.
Course Challenges and Player Stats
TPC Southwind is a formidable course, playing to a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards. It demands precision and resilience, elements that players like Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy have demonstrated in the past. Schauffele has maintained an impressive record, with no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, his only top 20 finish at TPC Southwind dates back to 2020.
Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, boasts four top-12 finishes in seven outings at TPC Southwind, including a T3 finish last year. His recent form is impeccable, with four top-five results in his last six tournaments, underscoring his readiness for the challenges ahead.
Collin Morikawa also shows promise, having secured three top 20s in four appearances at TPC Southwind. Patrick Cantlay, another player to watch, has three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship, highlighting his consistent form and potential to advance further.
The Stakes at St. Jude Championship
The St. Jude Championship is more than just a stepping stone to the BMW Championship; it carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, adding another layer of excitement and competition. As the tournament progresses, eyes will be on the players who can navigate the challenges of TPC Southwind and emerge victorious.
The coming days will undoubtedly bring high drama and intense competition as these golfers battle it out, not just for the coveted FedEx Cup points, but for their future opportunities in the 2025 season. With so much at stake, the St. Jude Championship promises to be a thrilling chapter in the 2024 PGA Tour season.