The 2024 postseason has officially arrived, marking the PGA Tour’s highly anticipated return to TPC Southwind for the third consecutive year to kick off the FedEx Cup Playoffs. This year’s St. Jude Championship promises to be an electrifying start to the playoffs, featuring the top 70 players from the regular season all vying for top honors.
TPC Southwind, a challenging course with a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards, is the battleground where dreams will be realized or dashed. The tournament's lucrative purse of $20 million adds an extra level of intensity and competition.
High Stakes for Players
As the playoff pressure mounts, the field will see significant cuts. From the initial 70 contenders, only the top 50 will advance to the BMW Championship. Finishing inside this all-important top 50 will guarantee players entry into every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season.
Among those on the cusp of elimination are notable names like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor. Their performances this week will be under intense scrutiny as they teeter on the brink.
Viktor Hovland, currently ranking 57th in the standings, faces a particularly challenging task. Despite a commendable third-place finish at this year’s PGA Championship, his current ranking highlights areas of concern; he stands 175th out of 176 players in stats on approach and around the green. Hovland will need every ounce of his skill and determination to improve his standing.
Top Contenders with High Hopes
Scottie Scheffler is on everyone’s radar as he seeks his eighth victory of the year. Scheffler aims to stride into the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead for the third straight season. Alongside Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy have also had stellar seasons, collectively amassing ten PGA Tour victories in 2024.
McIlroy, in particular, has a strong history at TPC Southwind. He boasts four top-12 finishes in his seven appearances here, including a T3 finish last year. With four top-five results in his last six tournaments, McIlroy is undoubtedly in fine form, making him a key player to watch.
Hunger for Victory
Despite being inside the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings, Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman have yet to secure a victory in 2024. Each of these players will be eager to break their winless streak as the season progresses.
Morikawa has shown prowess at TPC Southwind, clinching three top 20s in his four appearances. Similarly, Cantlay has demonstrated consistent performance with three consecutive top-25 finishes, including notable top-five results at both the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
Xander Schauffele presents a curious case; while he has no finishes outside the top 25 since February’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, his lone top-20 finish at TPC Southwind dates back to 2020. This year, Schauffele will be looking to improve his record at this venue.
The Road Ahead
From August 15-18, the St. Jude Championship will be the epicenter of golf, where every stroke, every putt, and every strategic decision could secure a player’s future. With such high stakes, the competition promises to be fierce, and only those who can withstand the pressure and excel under scrutiny will advance.
As the first leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs unfolds, spectators can expect to witness compelling narratives, surprise performances, and potentially career-defining moments. The stage is set at TPC Southwind for what promises to be an unforgettable start to the playoffs.