The 2024 postseason is afoot with the PGA Tour's return to TPC Southwind, lighting the fuse on the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third year running. The St. Jude Championship is poised to challenge the cream of the crop, welcoming the top 70 players from the regular season for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown.
A High-Stakes Culmination
This year's St. Jude Championship is more than just a stepping stone; it's a culling field. Only the top 50 from this elite roster will advance to the BMW Championship, with their performance securing entry into every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season. Players like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor face a pivotal moment as they teeter on the brink of elimination.
Viktor Hovland: A Crucial Junction
Currently sitting at No. 57 in the standings, Viktor Hovland faces an uphill battle. His impressive third-place finish at this year's PGA Championship is contrasted by his alarming rank of 175th out of 176 players in approach and around-the-green statistics. Performance this week will define his postseason trajectory.
Scottie Scheffler: Aiming for Dominance
Scottie Scheffler stands on the precipice of another remarkable year. With seven victories already under his belt, Scheffler aims to stride into the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third consecutive season. Alongside him, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy have also shown formidable form, collectively amassing ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
The Top Contenders Without a Win
Despite being inside the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings, players like Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman are yet to secure a victory this year. Their consistent performances, however, keep them in contention and add an extra layer of intrigue to the St. Jude Championship.
Course and Stakes
The TPC Southwind course, stretching over 7,243 yards and playing to a par of 70, presents its own set of challenges. Spanning from August 15-18, the St. Jude Championship offers not just prestige but also a lucrative purse of $20 million, making it one of the most coveted titles on the tour.
Performance Highlights
Xander Schauffele has been a model of consistency, with no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, his record at TPC Southwind includes only one top 20 finish dating back to 2020. Conversely, Rory McIlroy has shown greater familiarity with the course, achieving four top-12 finishes in seven trips and a commendable T3 last year. McIlroy’s current form is strong, boasting four top-five results in his last six tournaments.
Collin Morikawa has also demonstrated solid form at TPC Southwind, securing three top 20s in four appearances. Patrick Cantlay remains a consistent performer with three consecutive top-25 finishes, bolstered by notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
As the FedEx Cup Playoff intensity kicks into high gear, the players’ focus will be unwavering. The competition at TPC Southwind will be compelling, setting the stage for unforgettable drama and showcasing the relentless pursuit of glory that defines professional golf.