The FedEx Playoffs: A Golfer’s Guide to the Chase for the Cup

The FedEx Playoffs are a season-ending tournament series on the PGA Tour, culminating in the crowning of the FedEx Cup Champion. Unlike a simple tournament with a fixed purse, the Playoffs utilize a points-based system to determine the ultimate winner, rewarding consistent performance throughout the entire PGA Tour season. Players accumulate FedExCup points during the regular season based on their finishes in official PGA Tour events. These points then determine their eligibility and starting position in the Playoffs, a three-tournament gauntlet with escalating stakes.

The Structure of the FedEx Playoffs

The FedEx Playoffs consist of three tournaments:

1. FedEx St. Jude Championship: This is the first event in the Playoffs. The field is limited to the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings.
2. BMW Championship: The top 50 players in the FedExCup standings after the FedEx St. Jude Championship advance to the BMW Championship.
3. Tour Championship: The top 30 players in the FedExCup standings after the BMW Championship qualify for the Tour Championship.

Each tournament features a standard 72-hole stroke play format. However, what truly sets the Playoffs apart is the FedExCup points reset before the Tour Championship. This reset is designed to ensure that all 30 players in the field have a mathematical chance of winning the FedExCup, and more importantly, gives a significant advantage to the top players heading into the final event.

The Points System and Reset

During the regular season, players earn FedExCup points based on their performance in each tournament. Winning a tournament typically awards 500 points, while the four major championships and The Players Championship award 600 points to the winner. Points are then distributed down the leaderboard, with diminishing returns for lower finishes.

The reset before the Tour Championship is crucial. The points standings are adjusted so that the player in first place starts the Tour Championship at 10-under par. The second-place player starts at 8-under, third place at 7-under, and so on, down to the 26th-30th ranked players who start at even par. This staggered start effectively gives the top players a head start, but it doesn’t guarantee victory. Any of the 30 players can still win the FedExCup by playing well at the Tour Championship. The player who wins the Tour Championship is automatically crowned the FedExCup champion.

Why This System?

The FedEx Playoffs system aims to accomplish several goals:

• Reward Season-Long Consistency: While a hot streak at the end of the year is beneficial, consistent performance throughout the regular season is essential for even making the Playoffs.
• Create Drama and Excitement: The points reset and the staggered start at the Tour Championship inject drama into the final event, ensuring that the FedExCup champion is decided in a thrilling conclusion.
• Enhance Player Engagement: The FedExCup provides a season-long narrative, encouraging players to compete in more tournaments and strive for higher finishes.
• Maximize Fan Interest: The Playoff format generates significant media coverage and fan interest, boosting the overall popularity of the PGA Tour.

In short, the FedEx Playoffs are a complex but ultimately rewarding system that celebrates the best golfers in the world and provides a captivating finale to the PGA Tour season. It’s not just about winning one tournament; it’s about consistently performing at a high level throughout the year and rising to the occasion when the pressure is at its highest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the FedEx Playoffs

Q1: How do golfers qualify for the FedEx Playoffs?

Golfers qualify for the FedEx Playoffs based on the FedExCup points they accumulate during the regular PGA Tour season. The top 70 players in the standings after the final regular season event qualify for the first Playoff event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Q2: What happens if a player who qualifies for the Playoffs doesn’t participate?

If a player who qualifies for the Playoffs chooses not to participate, their spot is not given to the next player in the standings. The field size for each tournament is simply reduced accordingly.

Q3: How does the points system differ in the Playoffs compared to the regular season?

During the regular season, a typical PGA Tour event awards 500 FedExCup points to the winner. In the Playoffs, the winner of each event receives 2,000 FedExCup points, significantly increasing the stakes.

Q4: Can a player outside the top 30 in the FedExCup standings win the Tour Championship?

Yes, a player outside the top 30 in the FedExCup standings can still win the Tour Championship. However, due to the staggered start, it would require an exceptional performance and a significant collapse by the players starting ahead of them. While possible, it is statistically unlikely.

Q5: What are the benefits of winning the FedEx Cup?

Winning the FedExCup carries significant benefits, including a substantial cash prize (historically around $18 million), a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour, entry into all four major championships for the next five years, and exemptions into The Players Championship and other prestigious events.

Q6: What happens if there is a tie for the Tour Championship title?

In the event of a tie for the lowest score at the Tour Championship, a sudden-death playoff will determine the winner of the Tour Championship. The winner of the Tour Championship is automatically crowned the FedExCup champion.

Q7: How does the staggered start work at the Tour Championship?

The staggered start is based on the FedExCup standings heading into the Tour Championship. The player ranked number one starts at 10-under par, number two starts at 8-under par, number three starts at 7-under par, and so on, with players ranked 26-30 starting at even par.

Q8: Are there any exemptions or exceptions for qualifying for the FedEx Playoffs?

Generally, there are no exemptions or exceptions for qualifying for the FedEx Playoffs. Qualification is solely based on FedExCup points earned during the regular season. However, the PGA Tour does have discretion in certain situations, such as granting medical exemptions to players who have been injured for extended periods.

Q9: What is the impact of the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour season?

The FedEx Cup has significantly transformed the PGA Tour season, providing a compelling narrative and increasing fan engagement. It encourages players to compete in more events and rewards consistent performance, creating a more competitive and exciting environment.

Q10: How is the prize money distributed at the Tour Championship?

The prize money at the Tour Championship is distributed based on a player’s finishing position in the tournament. However, the FedExCup bonus is awarded separately to the overall FedExCup champion, independent of their Tour Championship finish.

Q11: Has anyone ever won the FedEx Cup from a low starting position at the Tour Championship?

Yes, several players have won the FedExCup from relatively low starting positions at the Tour Championship, highlighting the importance of performing well in the final event. This showcases that the staggered start provides an advantage, but doesn’t guarantee victory.

Q12: How can I follow the FedEx Playoffs and track the standings?

You can follow the FedEx Playoffs and track the standings through the official PGA Tour website and app, as well as various sports news outlets. Real-time leaderboards, updated FedExCup standings, and detailed tournament information are readily available throughout the Playoffs.