The brief offseason for the PGA Tour is in the rearview mirror as the new season commences in Napa Valley, California. This marks the beginning of the distinctive FedEx Cup Fall series, which will see players compete across eight events. As excitement builds, fans can expect a thrilling continuation of the competitive spirit that characterizes the PGA Tour.
One of the main highlights recently was Scottie Scheffler's impressive conquest at the Tour Championship, a victory that not only solidified his reputation but also came with a staggering $25 million payday. However, fans hoping to see Scheffler in the upcoming fall series will be disappointed. Alongside other top-tier players like Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland, Scheffler has opted to sit out these events.
Format of the Fall Series
The FedEx Cup Fall series provides a critical opportunity for players who didn’t finish in the top 50 after the St. Jude Championship to make their mark. The stakes remain high, with winners earning a two-year PGA Tour exemption and qualification for The Players Championship.
This year's fall series includes several noteworthy events such as the Procore Championship, Sanderson Farms Championship, and the debut of the Black Desert Championship in Utah. The series will culminate with the RSM Classic, taking place from November 21-24. For many players, this series is crucial in securing their future on the PGA Tour.
Key Players to Watch
While some of the biggest names are skipping the fall series, notable players like Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, and Max Homa are set to compete in the Procore Championship. Additionally, Corey Conners, Harris English, Min Woo Lee, and Sahith Theegala will also be in the mix, vying for victory and the significant benefits that come with it.
The focus is particularly sharp on players teetering near crucial cutoff points. Zac Blair, currently at No. 113, Kevin Tway at No. 122, and Sam Ryder at No. 125, all find themselves in positions where a strong showing in the fall series could secure their PGA Tour cards for 2025.
Current Standings and Points System
The fall series will see the continuation of the points system, with FedEx Cup points from the 2024 regular season carrying over. As it stands, Tom Kim leads the FedEx Cup standings with an impressive 1,079 points, closely followed by Mackenzie Hughes at 1,048 points, and Maverick McNealy in third with 1,045 points. Not far behind, players like Patrick Rodgers, Justin Rose, and Seamus Power are also within striking distance, making for a tightly contested leaderboard.
Securing a top-60 spot by the end of the fall series also holds considerable importance, given that players ranked Nos. 51-60 will earn exemptions to two of the first three signature events of 2025. These signature events include The Sentry, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the prestigious Genesis Invitational.
As the fall series progresses, the dynamics of the PGA Tour leaderboard are expected to shift significantly, reflecting the intensity and high stakes that come with this period. For players on the bubble, the upcoming events represent a vital opportunity to secure their status and look forward to a promising 2025 season. The journey begins now in Napa Valley, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating chapter in the PGA Tour.