The 2024 TOUR Championship is almost here, and with its conclusion, we will get the best PGA Tour player of 2024. After narrowing down from 70 to 30, the world’s top golfers are ready to clash in the season’s thrilling finale. The best of the best are vying for the coveted title and their share of the grand $100 million purse. With a humongous sum up for grabs, the stakes have never been higher.
Now, as the players take to East Lake Golf Club this week, the question on everyone’s mind is: What is the format of the TOUR Championship? And is there a benefit for the top scorers like in other Tour events?
How does the 2024 TOUR Championship format work?
Imagine starting a game with a head start—that’s exactly what the FedEx Cup standings leaders get in the TOUR Championship. The unique ‘Starting Stroke’ system gives them a boost. The format system was introduced in 2019. However, only the top five or top 10 in the FedEx Cup standings receive a scoring boost, with the number one player after the BMW Championship starting at 10-under par.
However, this time it’s the No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, who’ll begin his quest to redeem the title at 10-under par. The extra strokes give him a significant edge, but he can’t breathe easily yet. Two strokes behind him is Xander Schauffele, the second-ranked golfer, who will start at 8 under.
Hideki Matsuyama, fresh from his St. Jude Championship win but rather unfortunate WD from the BMW Championship, and Keegan Bradley, the victor in Colorado, are also in hot pursuit with 7 and 6 under respectively. Meanwhile, the Swede Ludvig Aberg will take advantage of his fifth-place standing, teeing off with a 5-under start. As for the rest of the field, the benefits of a strong FedEx Cup standing are clear.
Players ranked 6–10 get to begin their round at 4-under, while those in the 11–15 range start at 3-under. The 16-20 group will start with a 2-under, and no. 21-25 will be dispersed at 1-under. Finally, the players ranked 26–30 will start at even par, ready to battle out for a spot at the top.
With this stacked field and the ‘Starting Stroke’ system in play, fans can’t help but wait for an electrifying tournament. But what about the cut? Will all 30 make the full journey to the finish line, or will a cut line slice through the pack after Friday’s gameplay?
Is there a cut at the FedEx Cup finale?
This week, it’s a no-holding-back, no-cut 72-hole stroke play competition. The player who emerges with the lowest stroke total over 72 holes, combined with their FedEx Cup starting strokes, will be crowned the FedEx Cup champion.
The rewards for the top performers are substantial. The eventual winner will take home a staggering $25 million in bonus money, a $7 million increase from the previous year’s $18 million claimed by Viktor Hovland. The top 12 finishers will earn a seven-figure sum, with payouts stretching down to 30th place, which is worth $550,000.
With players getting the chance to complete all 72 holes, every shot counts. Moreover, the potential rewards make it all worthwhile for the top golfers on the PGA Tour. What will be the result of the Tour Championship? Share your predictions in the comments section below.
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