The PGA Tour is back in full swing as the new season kicks off in the picturesque Napa Valley, California. The brief offseason gave players a moment to rest, but now the attention shifts to the competitive events that lie ahead.
Scottie Scheffler heads into the new season riding high after clinching the Tour Championship and pocketing a remarkable $25 million payday. However, Scheffler, along with top-tier players like Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland, will be skipping the fall series events.
The FedEx Cup Fall Series
This year's FedEx Cup Fall series features eight meticulously planned events. It offers a golden opportunity for players who didn’t finish in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings after the St. Jude Championship. Winners of these events earn a valuable two-year PGA Tour exemption and a spot in The Players Championship.
The fall series boasts an array of fascinating events, including the Procore Championship, Sanderson Farms Championship, and the exciting new addition: the Black Desert Championship in Utah. The series will conclude with the RSM Classic, set to take place from November 21st to 24th.
Key Players to Watch
Despite the absence of some top-tier stars, the fall series still promises fierce competition. Prominent players like Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, Max Homa, Corey Conners, Harris English, Min Woo Lee, and Sahith Theegala are gearing up to showcase their skills at the Procore Championship.
The Pressure is On
The fall series is not just an extended competition; it is a crucial phase for players battling to retain their PGA Tour cards for 2025. The top 125 players will keep their card status, but those hovering near the cutoff, such as Zac Blair (No. 113), Kevin Tway (No. 122), and Sam Ryder (No. 125), need strong performances to secure their future on the tour.
Tracking the Standings
As the season unfolds, all eyes are on Tom Kim, who leads the FedEx Cup standings with 1,079 points. Hot on his heels, Mackenzie Hughes holds 1,048 points, with Maverick McNealy close behind at 1,045 points. Other notable contenders, including Patrick Rodgers, Justin Rose, and Seamus Power, are well within striking distance, ensuring a gripping race in the standings.
Exemptions and Prestigious Events
FedEx Cup points amassed during the 2024 regular season will carry over into the fall series, adding an extra layer of excitement and importance. Players ranked Nos. 51-60 after the fall series will earn valuable exemptions to two of the first three signature events in 2025, a prime chance to compete in high-profile tournaments like The Sentry, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Genesis Invitational.
The PGA Tour’s return offers a thrilling mix of new opportunities and tense battles. With seasoned pros and rising stars ready to make their mark, fans can expect an exciting season full of intense competition and memorable moments.