The 2024 postseason is finally upon us, with the PGA Tour returning to TPC Southwind for the pivotal St. Jude Championship. This event holds significant weight as it marks the beginning of the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year, welcoming only the top 70 players from the regular season.
This week's competition is more than just a battle for the championship; it is a fight for survival. Twenty elite contenders will see their playoff journey cut short, narrowing the pool to just 50 players who will advance to the BMW Championship. The stakes are high, as finishing inside the top 50 not only secures spots in the BMW Championship but also guarantees entry into all PGA Tour signature events for the 2025 season.
Players on the Brink
Among those teetering on the edge of elimination are notable names such as Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor. Their performances this week will be crucial in determining whether they advance or see their seasons end prematurely. Viktor Hovland, currently at No. 57 in the standings, faces a particularly uphill battle. Despite a commendable third-place finish at the PGA Championship this year, Hovland ranks a dismal 175th out of 176 players in stats on approach and around the green, highlighting the challenges he must overcome to advance.
Top Contenders
On the other side of the spectrum, Scottie Scheffler seeks his eighth victory of the year and aims to stride into the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season. Scheffler's dominance this year is a testament to his skill and consistency, sharing the spotlight with fellow top performers Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy. Together, these three have amassed an impressive ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
In contrast, players like Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman, all inside the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings, have not recorded a single victory in 2024. This fact underscores the unpredictability and competitiveness of the tour, where consistency and resilience often play more crucial roles than just victories.
Notable Performances at TPC Southwind
TPC Southwind is a 7,243-yard course that plays to a par of 70, and it has been a significant test for many of these top players. Xander Schauffele, for instance, has demonstrated remarkable consistency 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, indicating a mixed record at this venue.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has shown a stronger affinity for TPC Southwind, with four top-12 finishes in seven trips to the course. His T3 finish last year and four top-five results in his last six tournaments are evidence of his strong form heading into the playoffs.
Collin Morikawa has also found success at TPC Southwind, securing three top 20s in four appearances. Patrick Cantlay's recent performances include three consecutive top-25 finishes, alongside notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship, showcasing his readiness for the challenges ahead.
The Road Ahead
The St. Jude Championship, scheduled from August 15-18, carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, adding to the intensity and excitement of the competition. As the top players converge on TPC Southwind, the drama and high stakes of the FedEx Cup Playoffs promise to deliver thrilling golf and compelling storylines.
With the leaderboard packed with talent and many players' postseason aspirations hanging in the balance, the 2024 St. Jude Championship is set to be a memorable kickoff to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Fans and competitors alike will watch closely as the 70 contenders fight not just for victory, but for the chance to continue their quest for PGA Tour glory.