Will Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, or Matt Fitzpatrick miss the TOUR Championship? The BMW Championship is their last chance to secure a spot in the FedExCup finale at East Lake.
Schauffele, a TOUR Championship legend, faces his toughest battle yet after a season plagued by injury and putting struggles. Hovland’s inconsistent driving and putting put his top-30 FedExCup position at risk. Fowler and Day fight for career resurgences, needing strong finishes to avoid elimination. Fitzpatrick’s summer surge could save his season—but will it be enough?
We break down their FedExCup standings, required finishes at Caves Valley, and season-long challenges. Plus, why the TOUR Championship’s Starting Strokes format adds even more pressure. Don’t miss the latest FedExCup Playoffs drama!
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Imagine the FedEx Cup playoffs without some of the biggest names in golf. It’s a reality that could come to fruition if certain players don’t step up their game at the BMW Championship. With only 30 spots available for the Tour Championship, the pressure is on for those teetering on the bubble. But here’s where it gets interesting. Several top players, including some who have consistently performed well in the past, are at risk of missing out on the season ending tournament. So, who are the players in jeopardy of missing the cut? Let’s take a closer look at the top five players who need to bring their agame to Cad’s Valley. First up is Xander Schoffé, who has been struggling to find his form this season. Despite being the world number three, Schoffé is currently ranked 43rd in the FedEx Cup standings and needs a solo 21st finish or better to have a chance at making it to East Lake. It’s a far cry from his usual standards and Schoffley will need to dig deep to rediscover the magic that made him a tour championship stalwart. But what’s behind his struggles? Schoffley has been battling the lingering effects of a rib injury that delayed his start to the season and it’s clear that he’s still not 100% physically. Additionally, his usually reliable driving and putting have been below par with Schoffley ranking outside the top 100 in strokes gained off the tea and 125th in putting. It’s a concerning trend, but Schoffley remains a dangerous player if he can make it to East Lake, having not finished outside the top five at the Tour Championship since 2018. Next is Victor Havland, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but has been unable to sustain it. With only two top 10 to his name, Havland is precariously positioned at 28th in the FedEx Cup standings. While he could theoretically finish last at Caves Valley and still make it to East Lake, it’s unlikely given the increased point totals available. Havlin’s inconsistency can be attributed to his struggles with his driver and putter, having lost strokes to the field off the tea in five of his last six starts. However, his iron play remains elite, ranking second on tour in SG approach this season. It’s a testament to his talent that Havland has made it this deep into the season despite his struggles and he’ll be looking to draw on that talent to extend his streak of making the tour championship every year of his career. Ricky Fowler is another player who finds himself on the bubble and he’ll need a solo 13th finish or better to punch his ticket to East Lake. It’s been a long time since Fowler was a staple in the Tour Championship, having only advanced to East Lake once since 2019, but he’s shown glimpses of his old form. Finishing in a tie for sixth at the FedEx St. Jude Championship to sneak into the top 50. Reaching East Lake would not only be a significant achievement for Fowler, but also earn him an extra year of membership, a crucial perk for the 36-year-old who has struggled with year-to-year consistency. Jason Day is also fighting to keep his season alive. Currently ranked 44th in the FedEx Cup standings. He needs a solo 20th finish or better to have a chance at making it to East Lake, a feat that’s been elusive for him in recent years. Day has made the Tour Championship just once since 2018, battling injuries and slumping form in those years. However, he’s shown signs of resurgence this season with notable finishes at the American Express, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and the Masters. But a recent loss of form has put his season in jeopardy, and Day will need to rediscover his mojo to make it to Atlanta. Last but not least is Matt Fitzpatrick, who has been one of the hottest golfers of the summer. Despite being ranked 40th in the FedEx Cup standings, Fitzpatrick needs at least a two-way tie for 21st to keep his season alive. His recent partnership with coach Mark Blackburn has been a turning point, helping him recapture his confidence and form. Fitzpatrick was outside the top 125 of the FedEx Cup midway through April, but has since turned his season around with four straight top eight finishes entering the playoffs. It’s impressive that he’s made it this far given his start to the year. And Fitzpatrick will be looking to continue his upward trend to make it to East Lake. And this is the part most people miss. The FedEx Cup playoffs are as much about mental toughness as they are about physical skill. These players will need to dig deep and find the resilience to perform under pressure. But here’s the question. Can they do it? Will Schoffé, Havland, Fowler, Day, and Fitzpatrick be able to rise to the occasion and make it to the Tour Championship? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure, it’s going to be a thrilling ride. So, who do you think will make the cut and who will be left on the outside looking in? Let us know in the comments.
