The 2024 PGA Tour postseason is set to begin as golf enthusiasts turn their attention to TPC Southwind for the much-anticipated St. Jude Championship, the inaugural event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year. With the top 70 players from the regular season competing, the stage is set for an intense showdown, culminating in the selection of the top 50 who will advance to the BMW Championship.
The Battle for the Top 50
The competition this week is fierce as the players vie for their spots in the top 50. This achievement not only guarantees their place in the BMW Championship but also secures eligibility for every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season. Among those feeling the pressure are Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor, who all hover precariously around the cut line.
Viktor Hovland, currently ranking 57th in the standings, faces significant challenges ahead. Although he had an impressive third-place finish at the PGA Championship earlier this year, his standing places him at risk due to his modest ranking of 175th out of 176 players in crucial approach and around-the-green statistics.
Top Contenders and Rising Stars
This year, Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament with formidable momentum, eyeing his eighth victory of the year. Scheffler's goal is no small feat—he seeks to enter the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season. Together with Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, he's part of a triumvirate that has accumulated ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
On the other hand, the bright constellation of talents comprising Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman all rank within the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings. Despite their strong positions, this group has yet to clinch a single victory this year, making the St. Jude Championship a critical opportunity to break their winless streak.
Course and Competition
TPC Southwind, offering a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards, serves as the proving ground for these golfers. The St. Jude Championship runs from August 15-18, boasting a lucrative purse of $20 million, tempting the best in the sport to deliver their finest performances.
Xander Schauffele has showcased remarkable consistency, avoiding finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Yet, his history at TPC Southwind reveals a mixed bag, with only one top 20 finish dating back to 2020.
Previous Performances at TPC Southwind
Rory McIlroy, a golfer of immense talent and determination, has four top-12 finishes in seven visits to TPC Southwind, including a T3 finish last year. His recent form is equally impressive, with four top-five results in his last six tournaments, making him a formidable contender for the championship.
Collin Morikawa, another elite golfer, has shown a commendable record at TPC Southwind, securing three top 20s in four appearances. Patrick Cantlay, strolling on a path of consistency, has delivered three consecutive top-25 finishes and boasts notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
As the golf world embraces the excitement of the St. Jude Championship, attention will be on each swing and putt as contenders strive to advance and secure their places in the subsequent phases of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. With so much at stake, from prestigious tournament spots to significant prize money, the upcoming days are set to deliver drama, skill, and unforgettable moments at TPC Southwind.