The 2024 postseason has officially begun as the PGA Tour returns to TPC Southwind to kick off the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year. As the golf world turns its attention to the St. Jude Championship, the stakes couldn't be higher for the top 70 players from the regular season vying for their spot in the next stage of the playoffs.
High Stakes at the St. Jude Championship
This year's championship brings together a field of elite competitors, with 20 players set to have their playoff aspirations short-circuited. Only the top 50 will advance to the BMW Championship, a crucial cut that dictates not only their immediate future but also their standing for the entire 2025 PGA Tour season. Among those skating on thin ice are Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor. Viktor Hovland, currently sitting at No. 57 in the standings, will need a strong performance to push through.
Viktor Hovland's Challenging Year
Hovland has had a roller coaster of a year, marked by a third-place finish at the PGA Championship. However, his struggles with approach and around the green have been evident, as he ranks a dismal 175th out of 176 players in these critical stats. The St. Jude Championship could be a turning point for Hovland, or it could mark the end of his journey in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Scottie Scheffler's Dominant Season
At the other end of the spectrum, Scottie Scheffler has been on an absolute tear. The golfer seeks his eighth victory of the year and aims to enter the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season. Scheffler, along with Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, has accumulated ten PGA Tour victories in 2024, showcasing their dominance throughout the season.
Top Contenders Without Wins
While some golfers have collected numerous trophies, others have showcased remarkable consistency without breaking into the winner's circle. Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman have all found themselves within the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings despite accruing zero victories in 2024. Their steadiness has kept them in contention, but a win would undoubtedly propel their playoff prospects even further.
Noteworthy Performances
Notably, TPC Southwind, playing to a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards, has its own set of past storylines that add intrigue to this year's championship. Xander Schauffele has enjoyed a streak of top-25 finishes dating back to February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite his consistency elsewhere, his only top 20 finish at TPC Southwind came back in 2020.
Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, boasts four top-12 finishes in seven trips to TPC Southwind, including a T3 finish last year. His recent form has been stellar, with four top-five results in his last six tournaments. Collin Morikawa has also shown a strong affinity for the course, securing three top 20s in four appearances.
Patrick Cantlay enters the St. Jude Championship with a string of three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship. As these players navigate TPC Southwind, the course's complexities will test their mettle and strategies at every turn.
The Road Ahead
Scheduled from August 15-18, the St. Jude Championship promises intense competition and dramatic shifts in the standings. With a lucrative purse of $20 million at stake, every shot will count as players vie for their place in the next round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and secure their status for the 2025 season.
As the high-profile event unfolds at TPC Southwind, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion and who falters under the immense pressure. The journey to the Tour Championship continues, and the St. Jude Championship will undoubtedly be a pivotal chapter in this season's narrative.