The short offseason has come to an end as the PGA Tour begins its new season in the picturesque Napa Valley, California. The excitement follows Scottie Scheffler's impressive triumph at the Tour Championship, where his win earned him a staggering $25 million payday. This marks the start of the FedEx Cup Fall series, an eight-event spectacle that is shaping up to be an exhilarating part of the golf calendar.
The Structure of the Fall Series
The FedEx Cup Fall series is crucial for players who didn't finish in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings post the St. Jude Championship. These players have a golden opportunity to participate in the fall series, with winners securing a two-year PGA Tour exemption and qualification for The Players Championship. Events included in this series are the Procore Championship, Sanderson Farms Championship, and the new Black Desert Championship in Utah. The series will conclude with the RSM Classic, scheduled for November 21-24.
Big Names Opt Out
Despite the high stakes, top-tier players such as Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland have chosen to skip the fall series events. Their absence opens up the field for other contenders who are eager to secure their place and make a mark. Notable golfers like Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, Max Homa, Corey Conners, Harris English, Min Woo Lee, and Sahith Theegala will compete in the Procore Championship, providing ample star power and competitive excitement.
The Race for Tour Cards
The fall series holds significant weight for players hovering around the top 125, with their PGA Tour cards for 2025 hanging in the balance. For instance, Zac Blair (No. 113), Kevin Tway (No. 122), and Sam Ryder (No. 125) find themselves in a do-or-die situation. Their performances in the fall series could determine their professional futures on the tour.
Current Standings and Future Implications
At the moment, Tom Kim sits atop the FedEx Cup standings with 1,079 points. He is closely followed by Mackenzie Hughes with 1,048 points and Maverick McNealy with 1,045 points. Other golfers such as Patrick Rodgers, Justin Rose, and Seamus Power remain within striking distance, keeping the competition fierce and unpredictable. Interestingly, the points from the 2024 regular season will carry over into the fall series, adding another layer of strategy and planning for the players.
Looking to 2025
The fall series isn't just about the current season; it's also an early step towards the 2025 calendar. Players ranked Nos. 51-60 after the fall series will earn exemptions to two of the first three signature events of 2025: The Sentry, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Genesis Invitational. This aspect of the fall series adds yet another incentive for players to perform at their highest level, as the benefits extend well beyond immediate rewards.
With the fall series now in motion, the PGA Tour promises a thrilling end to the calendar year. Each tournament brings with it a blend of established talent and rising stars, making every event must-watch drama. Whether it's the fight to retain a tour card or the battle for top standings, the coming weeks will undoubtedly be rich with stories of triumph and heartbreak, embodying the spirit of professional golf.