What you need to know about the FedExCup Playoffs.
The PGA TOUR first introduced the FedExCup Playoffs in 2007 to find not only the best player over the 43-tournaments of the PGA Tour season, but one that could also perform under the pressure of an elimination-style playoff. If you’re still not sure how the FedExCup Playoffs work, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s the basics. During the season players accrue points based on their performance. Once the season ends, the Top 125 advance to the playoffs. Over the next four weeks of competition, there is a progressive set of cuts each week (from 125 to 100 to 70) that culminates in the TOUR Championship in Atlanta, with the Top 30 players. It’s there that the FedExCup Champion is crowned.
All FedExCup events have 50,000 points divided to players based on their finish in each of the four tournaments. That means 9,000 points go to the winner (10,500 in the Tour Championship based on the smaller field) of each event, with the eventual winner taking home a cheque for $10-million, with $35-million in bonuses being distributed overall.
Three Canadians started in the FedExCup Playoffs this year—Graham DeLaet, Adam Hadwin, and Mackenzie Hughes. Hadwin is the highest-ranked player and has just locked up a spot on the International squad for the Presidents Cup. He has the best shot at making the Tour Championship. Hughes also moved on from the second week, while DeLaet, who has battled a back injury, failed to move on.
Tiger Woods won the inaugural FedExCup Playoffs in 2007 and is the only repeat champion, winning again in 2009. Other past winners include Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Bill Haas, Brandt Snedeker, Henrik Stenson, Billy Horschel, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. With two events down and two events to go, Jordan Spieth is currently sitting at the top of the standings, and if he can hold on, he would be the second two-time champion.