The brief offseason is officially over as the PGA Tour kicks off its new season in the picturesque Napa Valley, California, this week. Scottie Scheffler's triumph at the Tour Championship, coupled with a staggering $25 million payday, has set the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of golf. With the FedEx Cup now in the rearview mirror, eyes turn to the first event of the FedEx Cup Fall series—an eight-event lineup that features a mix of seasoned pros and emerging talents aiming for valuable incentives.
The New FedEx Cup Fall Series
The FedEx Cup Fall series serves as a unique opportunity for players who finished outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings following the St. Jude Championship. While top-tier players like Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland will skip these events, the field remains competitive. The rewards for participating in this fall series are enticing: winners receive a two-year PGA Tour exemption, qualification for The Players Championship, and probable invitations to major championships.
The lineup for this fall includes notable events such as the Procore Championship (Sept. 12-15), the Sanderson Farms Championship (Oct. 3-6), and the new addition this year, the Black Desert Championship, set to take place in Utah from Oct. 10-13. The series will wrap up with the RSM Classic from Nov. 21-24, with a total of eight events, up from seven last year.
Key Participants and Their Stakes
Players like Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, Max Homa, Corey Conners, Harris English, Min Woo Lee, and Sahith Theegala are set to compete in the Procore Championship. Many of these players are keeping their game sharp ahead of the Presidents Cup in Montreal. This sets the stage for some compelling action as they vie to improve their FedEx Cup standings.
For those considering the stakes, the top 125 golfers will retain their PGA Tour cards for 2025. Therefore, the fall series could serve as a crucial proving ground, especially for players near the cutoff mark like Zac Blair (No. 113), Kevin Tway (No. 122), and Sam Ryder (No. 125) as they battle for their spots.
Standings and Points Carryover
The current top 10 in the FedEx Cup standings offer a glimpse into the competitive nature of this year's field. Leading the pack is Tom Kim with 1,079 points, closely followed by Mackenzie Hughes (1,048 points) and Maverick McNealy (1,045 points). Patrick Rodgers, Justin Rose, and Seamus Power are also within striking distance. Importantly, FedEx Cup points from the 2024 regular season will carry over into the fall series, making every tournament crucial for those looking to solidify their rankings.
The Road to 2025
One of the critical incentives for pushing up in the FedEx Cup standings (Nos. 51-60 after the fall) is earning exemptions into two of the first three signature events of 2025. These signature events include The Sentry, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Genesis Invitational, among others. Therefore, the fall series not only offers immediate rewards but also serves as a stepping stone for the next season.
While the top players might be absent, the fall series offers an exciting glimpse into the depth and talent present in the PGA Tour. It's an opportunity for emerging players to make their mark and for seasoned pros to reclaim their standing. With a perfect blend of incentives and compelling storylines, the FedEx Cup Fall series promises to deliver captivating golf action right through to the end of the year.