The anticipation is palpable as the 2024 postseason for the PGA Tour commences at TPC Southwind, marking the start of the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year. This storied event, the St. Jude Championship, gathers the top 70 players from the regular season, each vying for supremacy in a fiercely competitive field.
The Attrition Battle
Out of the 70 elite contenders, only 50 will advance beyond the St. Jude Championship, making this a do-or-die moment for several notable golfers. Among those on the brink are Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor. For these players, the challenge is not just about winning but staying alive in the playoffs.
Viktor Hovland, currently ranked No. 57 in the standings, faces a particularly daunting task. Despite a commendable third-place finish at the PGA Championship this year, Hovland's short game has been under the microscope. Ranking 175th out of 176 players in approach and around the green stats, he will need a substantial improvement to secure a place in the top 50 and qualify for every PGA Tour signature event in the 2025 season.
The Stars to Watch
Scottie Scheffler is a name that stands out, not just for his consistent performance but for his ambition. Seeking an eighth victory this year, Scheffler aims to head into the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season. Alongside him, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy have also made significant strides, collectively amassing ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
The stakes are also high for 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 but still in search of their first win this year. Their collective performance thus far underscores the depth and unpredictability of professional golf.
Course Dynamics and Prize Pursuits
TPC Southwind, a par-70 course stretching over 7,243 yards, will be the stage for this high-stakes drama. Scheduled from August 15-18, the St. Jude Championship offers a lucrative purse of $20 million, adding financial incentive to the already significant prestige of advancing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Profiles in Consistency
Consistency has been a key theme this season, especially for players like Xander Schauffele. Since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Schauffele has not finished outside the top 25. However, his performance at TPC Southwind has been mixed, with only one top 20 finish dating back to 2020. Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, has a strong record at this course, boasting four top-12 finishes in seven visits and a T3 last year. With four top-five results in his last six tournaments, McIlroy is clearly in fine form.
Collin Morikawa, another player to watch, has secured three top 20 finishes in four appearances at TPC Southwind. Meanwhile, Patrick Cantlay's form has been noteworthy with three consecutive top-25 finishes, accentuated by top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship. Their performances reflect a high level of consistency and potential as the playoffs progress.
As the 2024 postseason gets underway, the St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind promises to be a riveting affair. With top players under immense pressure to either maintain their standing or advance, golf fans are in for a thrilling spectacle. The journey to the BMW Championship and beyond will no doubt be fraught with unexpected twists and turns, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to the PGA Tour season.