The tournament within the tournament this week at the FedEx St. Jude Championship may provide more Sunday drama than the trophy chase as Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama opened a five-shot lead at TPC Southwind in Memphis with 18 holes. It represents the largest 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour this season.
But the other 69 players in the 70-man field at the first playoff event still have plenty to play for even if Matsuyama, who is seeking his second win of the season and 10th career Tour title, may be difficult to catch on Sunday. Only the top 50 in the FedEx Cup season-long standings will move on to the BMW Championship, the second leg of the Playoffs, to be held next week at Castle Pines near Denver. Also at stake: qualifying for all the Signature events in 2025 (See “50 is the new 30.”)
With the points up for grabs quadruple the value awarded in the regular season, there should be plenty of volatility and that’s the way it is shaking out so far with five expected to move on and thus five falling on the wrong side of the cutline. [The winner of the playoff event receives 2,000 points, the second-place finisher gets 1,200 points, third place earns 760 points, fourth place receives 540 and fifth place takes 440 points.] Here’s a look at who is projected to advance to the BMW Championship and who would see their season come to an end unless they can bounce back on Sunday.
Nick Dunlap waves to the crowd after his round during the third round of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind. (Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports)
Dunlap, who started the week at No. 67 in the FedEx Cup, enters the final round alone in second after shooting 66 on Saturday (-12). He’s projected to zoom No. 12 in the standings if he were to finish second this week.
Viktor Hovland tees off on the first hole during the third round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, August 17, 2024.
Victor Hovland needed a good week to be able to defend his title at the BMW Championship and he’s coming through in the clutch. On Saturday, he shot 66 to improve to -11 and third overall. He entered the week at No. 57 in the FedEx Cup and he’s now projected to jump to No. 20.
Justin Rose lines up a putt on the 12th hole during the third round of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis. (Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal)
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