The 2024 postseason for the PGA Tour has commenced with a familiar setting, as TPC Southwind welcomes 70 of the world's top golfers for the St. Jude Championship, marking the start of the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive year. This prestigious event serves as the inaugural stage of the playoffs, where twenty players will see their journey halted, narrowing the field to just 50 ahead of the BMW Championship.
High Stakes at TPC Southwind
As players vie for positioning, securing a spot inside the top 50 by the end of the week is paramount. Doing so guarantees entry into every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season, a coveted accomplishment. Among those teetering on the brink of elimination are notable names like Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor, who all face the challenge of breaking through to the next stage.
Viktor Hovland's journey adds an intriguing subplot to the event. Currently ranked No. 57, Hovland's standing belies his remarkable skills, evidenced by a third-place finish at this year's PGA Championship. Despite the impressive finish, Hovland's stats on approach and around the green rank 175th out of 176 players, highlighting an area needing immediate improvement. The Norwegian will need to overcome these struggles to advance in the playoffs.
Top Contenders and Intriguing Dynamics
Scottie Scheffler's performance this year has been nothing short of sensational. Seeking his eighth victory of the year, Scheffler aims to stride into the Tour Championship with a commanding two-stroke lead, a feat he has accomplished for the past two seasons. His consistency and dominance have impressed many, making Scheffler a key player to watch as the tournament unfolds.
Joining Scheffler in the upper echelons of the leaderboard are Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy. Together, they have amassed ten PGA Tour victories in 2024, showcasing their elite form. Schauffele has demonstrated remarkable consistency, with no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, his only top 20 finish at TPC Southwind was in 2020, creating a contrast between his recent form and historical performance at this venue.
Rory McIlroy, a perennial favorite, also brings a compelling narrative. With four top-five results in his last six tournaments, McIlroy arrives in Memphis riding a wave of momentum. His record at TPC Southwind includes four top-12 finishes in seven trips, with a standout T3 finish last year. McIlroy's recent form and track record at TPC Southwind make him a formidable contender for the St. Jude Championship.
Challengers Seeking Breakthroughs
In the mix as well are golfers like Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman. Surprisingly, despite their rankings within the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings, this group has yet to secure a victory in 2024. Morikawa, however, has demonstrated his potential with three top 20s in four appearances at TPC Southwind, giving him a solid foundation as he seeks that elusive win.
Patrick Cantlay's consistency cannot be overlooked either. With three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship, Cantlay's form suggests he is primed for a strong showing.
The Venue and Stakes
TPC Southwind, with its par-70 layout stretching over 7,243 yards, presents a challenging yet familiar battleground for these elite golfers. Scheduled from August 15-18, the St. Jude Championship carries a lucrative purse of $20 million, further raising the stakes as players compete not just for advancement but for financial reward.
As the 2024 FedEx Cup Playoffs begin, the storylines and performances at TPC Southwind promise excitement and intensity. Whether it's the scramble to avoid elimination, the quest for a breakthrough win, or the battle for dominance by the likes of Scheffler and McIlroy, the St. Jude Championship stands as a pivotal chapter in this year's PGA Tour narrative.