The anticipation for the 2024 postseason reaches a fever pitch as the PGA Tour returns to TPC Southwind to kick off the FedEx Cup Playoffs. For the third consecutive year, the renowned course in Memphis, Tennessee, stages the St. Jude Championship, welcoming the top 70 players from the regular season.
This year's tournament serves as a critical juncture for these elite contenders, with 20 players set to face elimination. Those who finish inside the top 50 by the end of the week guarantee their participation in every PGA Tour signature event for the 2025 season, raising the stakes in this already high-pressure environment.
The Chasing Pack: On the Brink of Elimination
The drama intensifies for players such as Jordan Spieth, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Nick Dunlap, and Nick Taylor, who find themselves precariously close to the cutoff line. Viktor Hovland, currently positioned at No. 57 in the standings, also faces the risk of having his postseason hopes dashed, despite an impressive third-place finish at this year’s PGA Championship. Hovland’s ranking of 175th out of 176 players in approach and around-the-green stats highlights the areas he needs to refine if he is to advance.
Scottie Scheffler: The Man to Beat
All eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who seeks his eighth victory of the year. Aiming for a commanding two-stroke lead as he strides towards the Tour Championship, Scheffler has consistently shown his mettle throughout the season. Along with Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, Scheffler is part of a trio that has collectively amassed ten PGA Tour victories in 2024, underscoring their dominant presence on the tour.
Formidable Contenders Without Wins
The top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings features several strong performers who surprisingly have yet to secure a victory this year: Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, and Brian Harman. Despite the lack of victories, these players have maintained consistent performances, keeping them in the thick of the playoff race.
Challenging Terrain at TPC Southwind
The TPC Southwind course, playing to a par of 70 and stretching over 7,243 yards, presents a formidable challenge for all competitors. As the players navigate this rigorous course from August 15-18, they will have their sights set on a share of the lucrative $20 million purse up for grabs at the St. Jude Championship.
Player Performance Insights
Xander Schauffele has demonstrated remarkable consistency, with no finishes outside the top 25 since February's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, his history at TPC Southwind reveals just one top-20 finish, dating back to 2020. Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, has four top-12 finishes in seven visits to TPC Southwind, including a tie for third place last year. McIlroy’s recent form is equally impressive, boasting four top-five results in his last six tournaments.
Collin Morikawa has also shown strength at TPC Southwind, securing three top-20 finishes in four appearances. Patrick Cantlay is another contender to watch, coming into the tournament with three consecutive top-25 finishes and notable top-five results at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship.
As the field gears up for what promises to be an electrifying start to the FedEx Cup Playoffs, the St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind stands as a critical test. With careers on the line and a plethora of storylines converging, the stakes have never been higher for these elite players. The path to the BMW Championship narrows sharply, and only the most resilient will make the cut.