As the curtains lift on the 2024 postseason, the PGA Tour returns to TPC Southwind to kick off the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year. The St. Jude Championship is set to host the top 70 players from the regular season, creating an atmosphere brimming with anticipation and high stakes.
A High-Stakes Journey
This year's St. Jude Championship isn't just another tour stop; it's a crucible where dreams and legacies are forged. Out of the 70 elite contenders, 20 will see their seasons conclude, distilling the field to 50 for the upcoming BMW Championship. The reward for those finishing inside the top 50 is significant – an assured spot in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season.
The tension is palpable for players like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor, who are on the brink of elimination. Viktor Hovland, sitting precariously at No. 57 in the standings, faces a critical juncture in his season.
Viktor Hovland's Rollercoaster Season
Hovland's year has been a tale of highs and lows. He achieved an impressive third-place finish at the PGA Championship, yet his performance on approach and around the green has left much to be desired, ranking 175th out of 176 players. As he steps onto TPC Southwind, Hovland knows he must elevate his game to secure his place among the elite 50 moving forward.
Scottie Scheffler's Dominance
Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler is on a tear, seeking his eighth victory of the year. His ambitions do not stop there; Scheffler aims to enter the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season. Together with Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, Scheffler has amassed ten PGA Tour victories in 2024, marking a season of sheer dominance and consistency.
Chasing Glory without Wins
Intriguingly, some of the top names in the FedEx Cup standings, including Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman, have yet to notch a victory in 2024. Despite this, their consistent performances have kept them within striking distance, underscoring the depth of talent and competition on the tour.
TPC Southwind Challenge
Known for its demanding layout, TPC Southwind plays to a par of 70 and stretches over 7,243 yards. It has long been a testing ground for the best, and this year promises no different. Scheduled from August 15-18, the St. Jude Championship carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, adding another layer of intensity to the proceedings.
Insider Insights
Xander Schauffele has been a model of consistency since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with no finishes outside the top 25. Yet, his history at TPC Southwind has been mixed, with his only top 20 finish dating back to 2020. Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, boasts four top-12 finishes in seven visits to TPC Southwind, including a T3 finish last year. McIlroy's form in recent tournaments is formidable, with four top-five results in his last six outings.
Collin Morikawa has also shown promise at TPC Southwind, securing three top 20s in four appearances. Patrick Cantlay enters the championship riding the momentum of three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
As the players tee off at TPC Southwind, the stakes cannot be higher. With the lure of a spot in the BMW Championship and the 2025 PGA Tour signature events, every shot will count. Established stars and emerging talents alike will be tested in what promises to be an electrifying start to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The journey to the top is fraught with challenges, and only the best will rise to the occasion.