The FedEx Cup Finale
Introduction
The TOUR Championship is the final event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, determining the PGA Tour’s season-long champion. Played annually at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, this prestigious event features the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings, all competing for the $18 million first-place prize and the ultimate honor in golf: the FedEx Cup.
Since its inception in 1987, the TOUR Championship has evolved into one of the most highly anticipated events on the PGA Tour calendar, showcasing elite talent and intense drama as the season reaches its climax.
This article explores the history, format, unique staggered start system, past champions, and the impact of the TOUR Championship in professional golf.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the TOUR Championship
Origins and Evolution
First held in 1987, the TOUR Championship originally featured the top 30 players from the PGA Tour money list before becoming the FedEx Cup’s season-ending event in 2007.
Key Milestones
- 1987 – First TOUR Championship, won by Tom Watson.
- 2007 – Integrated into the FedEx Cup Playoffs, solidifying its role as the season finale.
- 2019 – Introduction of the staggered start format, ensuring the FedEx Cup leader has an advantage going into the final event.
- 2022 – Rory McIlroy becomes the first player to win the FedEx Cup three times.
Understanding the Format of the TOUR Championship
Competition Format
- Field Size: Top 30 players from the FedEx Cup standings.
- 72-hole stroke play tournament over four days.
- No cut, allowing all 30 players to compete for the entire tournament.
- Playoff Format: Sudden death if players are tied after 72 holes.
The Staggered Start System
Introduced in 2019, the staggered start system ensures the FedEx Cup leader has a built-in advantage:
- FedEx Cup leader starts at -10
- 2nd place starts at -8
- 3rd place starts at -7, and so on down to even par
- This format replaces the previous reset points system, making it clearer who wins the FedEx Cup.
🏌️♂️ GOAT Tour Hub
Iconic East Lake Golf Club: A Legendary Venue
Course Overview
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Established: 1904
- Architect: Donald Ross (redesign by Rees Jones)
- Course Length: 7,346 yards, Par 70
- Signature Features:
- Undulating fairways and slick Bermuda greens
- Historic ties to Bobby Jones, one of golf’s greatest legends
- Strategic bunkering and water hazards on key holes
Signature Holes
- Hole 15 (Par 3, 211 yards) – A long and challenging par 3 requiring precise ball striking.
- Hole 18 (Par 5, 590 yards) – A dramatic risk-reward finishing hole where the FedEx Cup has been won and lost.
🏆 Recent TOUR Championship Winners (2020-2024)
2024 Champion: Scottie Scheffler
- Score: -30 (starting position: −10)
- Winning Margin: 4 strokes
- Key Highlights: Dominated with consistent play to secure his first FedEx Cup title.
2023 Champion: Viktor Hovland
- Score: -27 (starting position -8)
- Winning Margin: 5 strokes
- Key Highlights: A dominant final round securing his first FedEx Cup title.
2022 Champion: Rory McIlroy
- Score: -21 (starting position -4)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke over Scottie Scheffler.
- Key Highlights: Historic third FedEx Cup victory.
2021 Champion: Patrick Cantlay
- Score: -21 (starting position -10)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke over Jon Rahm.
- Key Highlights: Consistent play throughout the playoffs to secure the title.
2020 Champion: Dustin Johnson
- Score: -21 (starting position -10)
- Winning Margin: 3 strokes over Xander Schauffele.
- Key Highlights: Dominant performance to claim his first FedEx Cup.
Golfing Icons & Their Triumphs at the TOUR Championship
Most Wins at the TOUR Championship
- Tiger Woods (3 titles) – 1999, 2007, 2018.
- Rory McIlroy (3 titles) – 2016, 2019, 2022.
- Phil Mickelson (2 titles) – 2000, 2009.
- Viktor Hovland (1 title) – 2023.
Memorable Moments
- Tiger Woods’ 2018 Comeback Victory – One of the most iconic moments in golf history as crowds followed him up the 18th fairway.
- Rory McIlroy’s 2022 Rally – Overcame a six-shot deficit to win his third FedEx Cup.
- Viktor Hovland’s 2023 Dominance – A near-flawless final round securing his first playoff victory.
Traditions & The TOUR Championship Trophy
Notable Traditions
- The FedEx Cup Trophy – Awarded to the season’s best PGA Tour player.
- Elite-Only Field – Limited to the top 30 FedEx Cup players.
- Staggered Scoring Format – Unique to this tournament, ensuring a fair and exciting finish.
- Bobby Jones Legacy – Played at the home course of one of golf’s greatest legends.
Record-Breaking Performances & Interesting Facts
- Lowest Winning Score: -27 (Viktor Hovland, 2023).
- Most Birdies in a Playoff Series: Rory McIlroy (2016).
- Most Strokes Gained in a Final Round: Tiger Woods (2007).
Why the TOUR Championship Matters in Global Golf
- Determines the FedEx Cup Champion, crowning the season’s best player.
- High-Stakes Playoff Drama, featuring only the top 30 players.
- Historic Course, tied to Bobby Jones and golf’s rich history.
- Significant Prize Money, with $18 million awarded to the winner.
Final Thoughts
The TOUR Championship is the culmination of the PGA Tour season, where the world’s best players battle for ultimate glory and the richest prize in golf. With high-stakes drama, an elite field, and a historic venue, it remains one of the most thrilling events in the sport.
