The start of the new PGA Tour season begins this week in the scenic Napa Valley, California, marking the end of a brief offseason. As the anticipation builds, fans and players alike are eager to see who will make early strides in what promises to be an enthralling series of events.
New Season, New Opportunities
Scottie Scheffler's triumphant victory at the Tour Championship did more than just grant him the coveted title; it came with a monumental $25 million prize, capping an extraordinary season for the golfer. However, top-tier players like Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland will be notably absent from the fall series events. This absence opens the door wide for other competitors to shine.
The fall series of the FedEx Cup features eight pivotal events. Players who missed the top 50 cut in the FedEx Cup standings after the St. Jude Championship are granted a lifeline through these fall series tournaments. The stakes couldn't be higher, as winners of these events secure not only a two-year PGA Tour exemption but also a coveted spot in The Players Championship.
A Dynamic Roster and High Stakes
The fall series showcases an array of competitive events, including the Procore Championship, Sanderson Farms Championship, and an exciting new addition, the Black Desert Championship, held in Utah. The series is set to conclude with the RSM Classic, taking place from November 21-24.
Among those set to compete in the Procore Championship are renowned names such as Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, Max Homa, Corey Conners, Harris English, Min Woo Lee, and Sahith Theegala. For these players, and many hovering near crucial cutoff marks, the fall series is not just another set of tournaments—it's a critical juncture in their careers. Players like Zac Blair (No. 113), Kevin Tway (No. 122), and Sam Ryder (No. 125) are especially conscious of the need to perform well to secure their PGA Tour cards for 2025.
Currently, Tom Kim leads the FedEx Cup standings with a formidable 1,079 points, closely trailed by Mackenzie Hughes with 1,048 points and Maverick McNealy with 1,045 points. Other players such as Patrick Rodgers, Justin Rose, and Seamus Power remain well within striking distance, keeping the competition fierce and the outcomes uncertain.
An Eye on the Future
Unlike previous seasons, the FedEx Cup points accumulated during the 2024 regular season will carry over into the fall series. This structural change enhances the importance of every fall series event, adding layers of strategy and opportunity as players vie for a strong start in the new season.
Moreover, players finishing in positions 51-60 after the fall series will earn exemptions to two of the first three signature events of 2025—The Sentry, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Genesis Invitational. Achieving these coveted positions can set the tone for a player's entire season, providing early opportunities for substantial earnings and competitive momentum.
The PGA Tour continues to evolve, and this season's fall series offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. While the absence of some top-tier players might appear to lessen the competition, it, in fact, intensifies the battle among those who are eager to climb the rankings and solidify their status on the tour. With a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars in the mix, this series promises to deliver exciting golf and unforgettable moments.