The 2024 PGA Tour postseason kicks off at TPC Southwind, marking the start of the highly anticipated FedEx Cup Playoffs. For the third consecutive year, this illustrious event will launch with the St. Jude Championship, where the top 70 golfers from the regular season will make their appearance.
The Battle for the Top 50
This year's St. Jude Championship is not merely a competition for the trophy but a fight for survival. Only the top 50 players by the end of the week will advance to the BMW Championship, securing their places in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season. Among those on the brink of elimination are Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor.
Viktor Hovland, currently sitting at No. 57 in the standings, faces a significant challenge. Despite a commendable third-place finish at the PGA Championship earlier this year, Hovland ranks a dismal 175th out of 176 players in approach and around-the-green stats. A stellar performance at TPC Southwind is crucial for him to stay in the competition.
Superstars and Statistical Prowess
All eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who aims to secure his eighth victory of the year. Scheffler is not just chasing another win; he aspires to enter the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third consecutive season. He, along with Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, has combined for an impressive ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
Meanwhile, 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—are yet to taste victory this year. Their consistent performances will be put to the test at TPC Southwind, which stretches over 7,243 yards and plays to a par of 70.
Resilient Veterans
Rory McIlroy comes into the St. Jude Championship with rich form, boasting four top-five results in his last six tournaments. With four top-12 finishes in seven trips to TPC Southwind, including a T3 last year, McIlroy is a strong contender for the title.
Xander Schauffele's consistency has been a hallmark of his season. Since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Schauffele has not finished outside the top 25. However, his track record at TPC Southwind includes only one top-20 finish, dating back to 2020. This week presents an opportunity for him to improve his standing in a familiar yet challenging environment.
Emerging Contenders
Patrick Cantlay’s presence in the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings is fortified by three consecutive top-25 finishes. His notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship add to his credentials. Collin Morikawa also brings promise, having secured three top-20 finishes in four appearances at TPC Southwind.
The Road Ahead
The St. Jude Championship, scheduled from August 15-18, carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, adding to the stakes for the competitors. With the FedEx Cup Playoffs ignited, the quest for the top 50 will not only determine futures but also test the mettle of golf’s elite in an arena known for its high drama and intense competition.
As the tournament unfolds, fans and athletes alike will witness triumphs and setbacks, each swing echoing not just a skill displayed, but a career-forward momentum or a fight for season redemption. TPC Southwind promises a thrilling start to what is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in PGA Tour history.