The 2024 postseason is upon us as the PGA Tour makes its eagerly anticipated return to TPC Southwind for the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year. This season's St. Jude Championship will host the top 70 players from the regular season, and the stakes have never been higher.
High Stakes at TPC Southwind
Only the elite will advance, as the field will be whittled down to 50 contenders ahead of the BMW Championship. Those finishing inside this exclusive group by week's end will secure their places in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season. This pool includes formidable players like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor, all teetering on the brink of elimination. Viktor Hovland, currently ranked No. 57 in the standings, is another critical player to watch.
Hovland has had a roller-coaster season, highlighted by a third-place finish at the PGA Championship. Yet, his technical stats remain concerning, ranked 175th out of 176 players on approach and around the green. His precarious position demands an exceptional performance this week if he intends to advance.
Scheffler's Dominance
At the forefront, Scottie Scheffler seeks to solidify his eighth victory of the year and aims to enter the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third consecutive season. Alongside Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy have garnered significant attention, each amassing ten PGA Tour victories in 2024. This triumvirate illustrates the high-level competition and razor-thin margins that define professional golf.
Contenders Without Victory
However, there are several top players who have yet to clinch a victory this year despite strong performances. 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—have yet to secure a win in 2024. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the championship as these gifted athletes strive to break their winless streaks amidst such fierce competition.
Course and Championship Details
The venue, TPC Southwind, is a formidable course playing to a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards. Scheduled from August 15-18, the St. Jude Championship carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, making it one of the richest events on the tour. As players tee off, both the course’s challenges and the competition’s structure promise to deliver gripping moments.
Key Players and Performances
Several players have noteworthy histories at TPC Southwind and come into this championship with strong momentum. Xander Schauffele has maintained a remarkable consistency with no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite this, his only top-20 finish at TPC Southwind dates back to 2020, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for him.
Rory McIlroy, another major contender, boasts four top-12 finishes in seven trips to this course, including a T3 finish last year. Currently, he has four top-five results in his last six tournaments, underscoring his formidable form. Collin Morikawa has also displayed confidence at TPC Southwind, securing three top 20s in his four appearances. These performances will be critical as they navigate the treacherous fairways and greens.
Patrick Cantlay enters the St. Jude Championship with three consecutive top-25 finishes. His notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship signify his readiness to rise in the rankings.
The St. Jude Championship promises a thrilling kickoff to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. With a roster brimming with talent, the stakes of advancing, and the substantial financial rewards, fans can expect a dynamic blend of skill, strategy, and drama at TPC Southwind.