How it works: FedExCup Playoffs

The FedExCup Playoffs, a captivating spectacle in professional golf, is an intense journey where a field of 70 players is gradually narrowed down to crown a single FedExCup champion.

The Playoffs commence with the FedEx St. Jude Championship, a 70-player event at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, followed by the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club outside Chicago, with a reduced field of 50 players.

The ultimate destination is the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, where a distinct Starting Strokes format comes into play. This rewards players who have excelled in the season-long FedExCup standings, creating a cumulative competition with quadruple points awarded at the initial two Playoffs events.

The TOUR Championship, utilizing the Starting Strokes system, unfolds with players receiving staggered starts based on their FedExCup rankings. This unique setup takes into account both Regular Season performance and Playoffs event performance, ultimately crowning the player with the lowest score after 72 holes at East Lake as the FedExCup champion.

Here's a breakdown of how it unfolds:

The Events:

• FedEx St. Jude Championship (Aug. 10-13): Kicks off the Playoffs with 70 players at TPC Southwind.
• BMW Championship (Aug. 17-20): The field narrows down to 50 players at Olympia Fields Country Club.
• TOUR Championship (Aug. 24-27): The final 30 players compete at East Lake Golf Club, with Starting Strokes applied.

What's the FedExCup?

• The FedExCup, now in its 17th edition, is a season-long points competition culminating in the Playoffs.
• Throughout the PGA TOUR Regular Season, players earn FedExCup points based on their tournament finishes.
• The top 70 players in the FedExCup standings qualify for the Playoffs.
• The Playoffs consist of three events, with fields decreasing to 70, 50, and finally, 30 players.

Points Structure:

• The FedEx St. Jude Championship and BMW Championship offer quadruple points (2,000 points to the winner) compared to Regular Season events (500 points to the winner).

Tour Championship's Starting Strokes:

• The TOUR Championship employs Starting Strokes, a staggered, strokes-based system.
• Players' staggered start positions are determined by their FedExCup rankings.
• The points leader starts at 10-under, with subsequent players starting at lower scores.
• The player with the lowest combined score after 72 holes and Starting Strokes is crowned FedExCup champion.

What's at Stake:

• Players within the top 70 secure their top-125 status for the following season, granting exemptions for Full-Field Events and a spot in THE PLAYERS.
• Advancing to the BMW Championship guarantees access to all Signature Events for the following year.
• Qualifying for the TOUR Championship comes with a two-year exemption on TOUR and invitations to major championships.

FedExCup Champion:

• The FedExCup champion receives a five-year TOUR exemption.
• The champion earns an $18 million FedExCup Bonus, with the runner-up receiving $6.5 million.

In essence, the FedExCup Playoffs offer an exhilarating journey where golfers' performances across the season culminate in a series of high-stakes events. The Starting Strokes format at the TOUR Championship adds a layer of excitement, ensuring the best performers are recognized and ultimately crowning the FedExCup champion.