Power Rankings: TOUR Championship

2-under. The sore lower back that forced the inspirational lefty from Scotland to withdraw during the third round of the BMW Championship cost him eight seeds (to 20th) but only one stroke on the opening leaderboard.

1-under. The only PGA TOUR rookie to make it to East Lake, the Frenchman has scuffled more often than he’s thrived of late. However, because he’s been a man for the moment in the last 10 months, he’s a classic wild card.

3-under. Inconsistency has dogged this cat, but only in the short-term. In scattering seven top 10s, his long-range form has delivered, but he’s the only qualifier sans a top 35-finish in this Playoffs, and neither were top 45s.

2-under. His debut is the culmination of three years of resetting not only for what it takes to stay on the PGA TOUR but also what it requires to be among the best. Of the three non-winners in the field, he’s highest-seeded at 16th.

2-under. At just 22 years of age, the first-timer is the youngest in the field, but as much as it may seem that he’s outpacing the learning curve, the lefty is right where he belongs. Superbly balanced throughout his bag.

Even par. One of three PGA TOUR non-winners in the field, he skipped along the top 30 in the FedExCup like an expertly slung stone across the surface of a placid body of water, which is ironic given his firepower. Debutant.

Even par. Never mind the pressure to qualify, how about the stress not to squander it? That was his reality as the winner of The Sentry to open 2024. He rallied with a T9 at the BMW to reenter the bubble. First finale in 10 years.

Even par. His forward progress toward his East Lake debut was a satisfying as any successful two-minute drill to win a football game. The Englishman figures to make noise with his world-class ball-striking feeding red-hot form.

1-under. Magic can happen when multiple goals are presented to a professional ready for it. For the first-timer at East Lake, the special layer of the Presidents Cup is in his native Canada no doubt fueled a four-month surge.

3-under. Of those in their first appearance, his hits most like a factual error because the 37-year-old has accomplished so much. In fact, he had opened two previous Playoffs inside the top 30, only to tumble out (in 2019 and 2022).

Even par. The TOUR’s leader in red numbers (58) signed for four of them in his only previous try at East Lake in 2022 when he rose from his opening position of T21 (at 1-under) to 10th. Irons were locked in for a T13 last week.

1-under. The 37-year-old is enjoying an extended prime as much as the positive impact of a well-timed burst of form since a co-runner-up at The Open Championship. Also a former winner at East Lake, albeit 10 years ago.

Even par. What a difference a year makes. After finishing just outside the bubble of the 2023 FedExCup Playoffs, he’s the last man inside it at this year’s finale. No matter the format, his worst finish at East Lake is T7 (2018).

2-under. Proof that it’s a long season, he hit for only one top 10 until a T2 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship promised a fifth straight start at East Lake and the opportunity to become the first to win consecutive FedExCups.

1-under. Opening the Playoffs as the 32-seed, it’d have been an upset if the silver medalist didn’t crash the party in Atlanta, but he still needed a T5 at Castle Pines to secure his fourth appearance. As locked in as anyone.

3-under. The 44-year-old Aussie thrust his way into his 13th appearance at East Lake, all since the course has been the only host since 2004. On the bounce of a T2 at Castle Pines where his second-round 63 was a field low.

1-under. This is the big fella’s third straight trip to the TOUR Championship but it’s his first on similarly broad shoulders of consistently strong form that’s defined this season. His scoring average in eight rounds here is 67.38.

2-under. He’s made the most out of what’s been an economical schedule consisting of only 18 starts, but one-third of them went for a top 10 and another four for top 25s, including a T22 at the BMW Championship. Always a threat.

7-under. Obviously couldn’t gain ground once he decided to withdraw after one round at Castle Pines, but he didn’t lose any, either. The unintentionally calculated rest follows the bronze medal and victory at TPC Southwind.

4-under. Relative to his expectations, he’s been uncharacteristically quiet for four straight starts upon arrival. It’s a reflection of a regression with the irons, which is startling given his profile. Opened with 61 here last year.

5-under. Continues to crush debuts. The precocious Swede just recorded his third runner-up finish of the year at the BMW Championship. It piles on as his fifth top five, so he’s the highest-seeded non-winner this season.

6-under. Having his cake and eating it, too, he vaulted from 50th to fourth in the FedExCup with Sunday’s victory at Castle Pines. Returns to East Lake to avenge last year’s T9. He was T1 after opening at 3-under and with a 63.

4-under. Settled for a T13 with a Sunday 74 at home last week, but it’s the latest evidence of impressive work of the last two months consisting of five top 15s. Same opening position in debut here last year en route to solo third.

4-under. The only two-time FedExCup champ since Starting Strokes was introduced opened his titles at 5-under (2019) and 4-under (2022), respectively, so this is a familiar slot. It’s been a frustrating series this time, however.

4-under. Opens in the same position as last year’s TOUR Championship when he placed fifth. The 2021 FedExCup champion averaged 67.67 across his last 12 rounds at East Lake. Arrives this time with six straight top 25s in tow.

3-under. Only Xander Schauffele can match Finau’s active streak of eight straight starts at East Lake. Finau’s season has been a master class in contending and consistency, albeit devoid a victory. A relative dark horse.

3-under. The 26-year-old from South Korea has been a force in earnest for four months. Now in his sixth appearance, he’s never not qualified for the TOUR Championship. Opened the 2022 edition in 4-under and finished T2.

4-under. He’s fired on all cylinders en route to a respective T5 and T2 in the Playoffs in which he’s second in Strokes Gained: Putting, T2 in par-3 scoring, third in par-4 scoring and first in converting greens hit into par breakers.

10-under. It must feel strange to defend a sizable long-term lead while competing for a title in the short-term. His T33 at Castle Pines didn’t cost him position, but no one has responded more favorably to adversity this season.

8-under. He has Scottie Scheffler right where he wants him. Since Schauffele was my pick to win his first FedExCup, he’s gone T2-T5. His scoring average at East Lake in 20 rounds in the Starting Strokes era is 66.60.