The PGA FedEx Playoffs is a series of four golf tournaments that take place at the end of the PGA Tour season. The tournaments are played over four weeks, with the top 125 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualifying for the first event. The winner of each tournament earns a place in the next event, and the field is gradually whittled down until the final tournament, the FedEx Cup Playoff, where the winner takes home a $15 million prize. In this guide, we will explore the intricacies of the PGA FedEx Playoffs, from the qualifying process to the format of the tournaments, and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned golf fan or a newcomer to the sport, this guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of how the PGA FedEx Playoffs work.
The Basics of the PGA FedEx Playoffs
Qualifying Tournaments
The PGA FedEx Playoffs is a series of golf tournaments that take place in the United States. To qualify for the playoffs, golfers must compete in a series of tournaments throughout the season. The number of players that qualify from each tournament varies, but the criteria for qualifying is based on points earned during the regular season.
Here are some key details about the qualifying tournaments for the PGA FedEx Playoffs:
- The Qualifying Tournaments: The PGA FedEx Playoffs consist of four qualifying tournaments, also known as the FedEx Cup Playoffs. These tournaments are held in August and September, and the top 125 golfers in the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the regular season are eligible to compete.
- Number of Players that Qualify: The number of players that qualify from each tournament varies. At the end of the regular season, the top 125 golfers in the FedEx Cup standings are eligible to compete in the first tournament. After each tournament, the number of golfers that qualify for the next tournament is determined by their performance in the previous tournament. For example, after the first tournament, the top 100 golfers in the standings qualify for the second tournament.
- Criteria for Qualifying: The criteria for qualifying for the PGA FedEx Playoffs is based on points earned during the regular season. Golfers earn points for their performance in PGA Tour events, and the number of points earned is based on the golfer’s finish in the tournament. The golfer with the most points at the end of the regular season is awarded the top seed in the playoffs. In addition to points earned during the regular season, golfers can also earn bonus points for winning tournaments or being in the top 10 in certain events.
Format
The format of the PGA FedEx Playoffs is a four-tournament series that determines the FedEx Cup champion. The series includes the following events:
- The Northern Trust: A 72-hole stroke play event held in August.
- The BMW Championship: A 72-hole stroke play event held in August and September.
- The Tour Championship: A 72-hole stroke play event held in September.
The number of players that participate in the playoffs is 125. These players are determined by their earnings during the PGA Tour season. The top 125 players on the FedEx Cup points list are eligible to compete in the playoffs.
The schedule of the playoffs is as follows:
- The Northern Trust: August 17-20
- The BMW Championship: August 24-27
- The Tour Championship: August 31-September 3
Throughout the playoffs, players’ performances are accumulated, and their scores are adjusted to a 72-hole total. The player with the lowest 72-hole total at the end of the Tour Championship is crowned the FedEx Cup champion.
Points System
How Points are Awarded
In the PGA FedEx Playoffs, points are awarded to golfers based on their performance in each tournament. The points system is designed to reward consistent performance throughout the season, with higher points being awarded for stronger performances in the later stages of the season.
The Significance of Points in the Playoffs
Points play a crucial role in determining the winner of the FedEx Cup, which is awarded to the golfer with the most points at the end of the playoffs. In addition to determining the overall winner, points also determine the seeding for each golfer in the final tournament, the Tour Championship. The seeding determines the golfer’s starting position and eligibility for bonuses in the final tournament.
The Points System
The points system used in the PGA FedEx Playoffs is based on a points scale that ranges from 125 to 1 point per tournament. The points awarded to each golfer are determined by their finish in each tournament, with the winner receiving 500 points, second place receiving 300 points, and so on.
In addition to the standard points awarded for each tournament, there are also bonus points available for certain achievements, such as leading the tournament after each round, shooting the lowest round of the tournament, and finishing in the top 10. These bonus points can significantly impact a golfer’s total points and their position in the standings.
Overall, the points system used in the PGA FedEx Playoffs is designed to reward consistent performance throughout the season, while also providing opportunities for golfers to earn bonus points and move up the standings.
The FedEx Cup
The FedEx Cup Trophy
The History of the FedEx Cup Trophy
The FedEx Cup trophy was first introduced in 2007 as the culmination of the PGA Tour’s playoff system. It was created to recognize the season-long achievements of the top golfers on the tour and to determine a true champion at the end of the season. The idea for the trophy came from the PGA Tour’s commissioner, Tim Finchem, who wanted to create a new way to crown a season-long champion.
The Significance of the Trophy
The FedEx Cup trophy is significant because it represents the pinnacle of achievement for PGA Tour golfers. It is awarded to the player who has accumulated the most points throughout the season, and it is considered to be the most prestigious award in golf. The trophy is also significant because it provides a boost to the winner’s career, as it serves as a symbol of their status as the best golfer of the year.
The Design of the Trophy
The FedEx Cup trophy is designed to represent the culmination of the PGA Tour season. It is a large, imposing trophy that stands over two feet tall and weighs over 20 pounds. The trophy is made of silver and has a sleek, modern design. It features a series of interlocking rings that represent the season-long journey of the players, and it is topped with a large, solid crystal globe. The trophy is also engraved with the name of the winner and the year they won the FedEx Cup.
The Winner’s Prize
The winner of the FedEx Cup is awarded a substantial prize package that includes a large cash payout, as well as other valuable prizes. The exact amount of the cash payout varies from year to year, but it is typically in the millions of dollars. In addition to the cash prize, the winner of the FedEx Cup also receives a five-year exemption from having to qualify for PGA Tour events, which is a significant advantage for a professional golfer.
In addition to the cash payout and the exemption from qualifying, the winner of the FedEx Cup also receives a number of other prizes. These may include luxury items such as a new car, a trip to a tropical destination, or a custom-fitted set of golf clubs. The exact prizes awarded each year are determined by the PGA Tour and may vary depending on the sponsorship deals that are in place at the time.
The history of the prize money and other prizes awarded to the winner of the FedEx Cup has evolved over time. In the early years of the FedEx Cup, the prize money was not as substantial as it is today, and the other prizes awarded were relatively modest. However, as the popularity of the FedEx Cup has grown, so too has the value of the prizes awarded to the winner. Today, the winner of the FedEx Cup can expect to receive a significant cash payout, as well as a range of valuable prizes that are designed to reward their hard work and dedication to the sport of golf.
The FedEx Cup Standings
The FedEx Cup standings are a crucial aspect of the PGA Tour’s playoff system. These standings determine the seeding for the playoffs and the eligibility of players to compete in the final event, the FedEx Cup. The standings are based on a player’s total points accumulated throughout the season.
How the standings are determined
The FedEx Cup standings are determined by a player’s performance in PGA Tour events. Points are awarded to players based on their finish in each event. The winner of an event receives 500 points, while the player who finishes in second place receives 300 points. The points decrease as the finish position decreases, with the player who finishes in 78th place receiving 2 points.
The significance of the standings in the playoffs
The FedEx Cup standings are significant because they determine the seeding for the playoffs. The top 125 players in the standings qualify for the playoffs, with the top 70 players advancing to the second round. The players who are ranked higher in the standings have a better chance of advancing further in the playoffs and ultimately winning the FedEx Cup.
Additionally, the standings determine the eligibility of players to compete in the final event, the FedEx Cup. Only the top 30 players in the standings qualify for the final event, which is a no-cut tournament. The winner of the FedEx Cup receives a significant bonus, including a $15 million prize and 500 FedEx Cup points.
The Playoffs
The First Playoff Event
The Format of the First Playoff Event
The first playoff event in the PGA FedEx Cup series is a 72-hole stroke play tournament. The tournament is contested over four days, with the field of players reduced after each round until only 30 players remain for the final round. The format is designed to test players’ skills over a long period of time, with a focus on consistent play rather than just one standout round.
The Schedule of the First Playoff Event
The first playoff event typically takes place in early August, following the conclusion of the regular PGA Tour season. The tournament is held at a different course each year, with the location rotating among various venues across the United States. The schedule for the first playoff event is as follows:
- Round 1: Thursday and Friday
- Round 2: Saturday
- Round 3: Sunday
- Round 4: Monday
The Significance of the First Playoff Event
The first playoff event is the starting point for the FedEx Cup playoffs, and it serves as a crucial stepping stone for players looking to make a deep run in the postseason. The format and schedule of the tournament are designed to test players’ abilities over a long period of time, and the pressure is high from the very beginning. For many players, the first playoff event is their chance to prove themselves and make a statement early in the postseason. The winner of the first playoff event earns a spot in the second playoff event, as well as a significant boost in confidence and momentum heading into the rest of the postseason.
The Second Playoff Event
The Format of the Second Playoff Event
The second playoff event in the PGA FedEx Playoffs is a 72-hole stroke play tournament that takes place over four days. The field is comprised of the top 70 players from the FedEx Cup standings following the BMW Championship, with the top 30 players qualifying for the Tour Championship. The event is played on a different course each year, with the focus on testing the players’ all-around skills, including driving, approach shots, and putting.
The Schedule of the Second Playoff Event
The second playoff event typically takes place in early September, following the Labor Day weekend. The tournament starts on a Thursday and concludes on a Sunday, with the final round broadcast live on national television. The schedule is designed to provide a tense and dramatic finish, with the winner earning a significant boost in the FedEx Cup standings and a large paycheck.
The Significance of the Second Playoff Event
The second playoff event is crucial for players who are trying to advance to the Tour Championship and win the FedEx Cup. It provides a unique opportunity for players to showcase their skills on a challenging course and gain valuable points in the standings. Additionally, the event offers a substantial purse, with the winner earning a paycheck of over $1.5 million. With so much at stake, the second playoff event is sure to be an exciting and unpredictable competition.
The BMW Championship
The Format of the BMW Championship
The BMW Championship is the second of the four playoff events in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. It is a 72-hole stroke play event that features a field of 70 players. The field is comprised of the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings following the conclusion of the first playoff event, The Northern Trust, and the remaining players who qualify through various other means such as earning a victory or placing high in other PGA Tour events.
The Schedule of the BMW Championship
The BMW Championship is typically held in the middle of September and is played at a different course each year. The tournament is held at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California, which is known for its historic and challenging layout. The tournament format is a standard 72-hole stroke play event, with the winner being the player who scores the lowest total over the four rounds.
The Significance of the BMW Championship
The BMW Championship is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour and is considered one of the most challenging courses on the tour. The tournament is known for its difficult layout and the pressure that comes with being one of the final events of the season. The winner of the BMW Championship not only takes home a significant amount of prize money, but also earns a spot in the season-ending Tour Championship, where the FedEx Cup champion will be crowned. Additionally, the BMW Championship is also the last chance for players to improve their position in the FedEx Cup standings and qualify for the Tour Championship.
The Tour Championship
The Format of the Tour Championship
The Tour Championship is the final event of the PGA FedEx Playoffs, and it features the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings. The tournament is a four-day, 72-hole event, with a field of 30 players. The format of the tournament is a stroke play, with players competing for a $15 million purse. The player with the lowest total score after four rounds wins the tournament and the FedEx Cup.
The Schedule of the Tour Championship
The Tour Championship is typically held in late August or early September, and it is the final event of the PGA Tour’s regular season. The tournament is played at a different course each year, with the location being announced in advance. The tournament usually starts on a Thursday and ends on a Sunday, with the final round being broadcast in prime time.
The Significance of the Tour Championship
The Tour Championship is the most important event of the PGA FedEx Playoffs, as it determines the winner of the FedEx Cup. The FedEx Cup is a season-long competition that awards points to players based on their performance in PGA Tour events throughout the year. The player with the most points at the end of the season wins the FedEx Cup and a $15 million bonus. The Tour Championship is also the final event of the PGA Tour’s regular season, and it marks the end of a long and grueling season for the players.
The FedEx Cup Final
The Format of the FedEx Cup Final
The FedEx Cup final is a four-tournament series that culminates in the Tour Championship, where the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings compete for the title. The series begins with the FedEx Cup Playoffs, where the top 125 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualify. The top 10 players in the standings after the second playoff event, the BMW Championship, automatically qualify for the Tour Championship, while the remaining players have one last chance to qualify at the Tour Championship.
The Schedule of the FedEx Cup Final
The FedEx Cup final begins with the first playoff event, the Northern Trust, which is played in August. The top 125 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualify for this event. The top 10 players in the standings after the Northern Trust advance to the second playoff event, the BMW Championship, which is played in early September. The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualify for this event. The top 30 players in the standings after the BMW Championship advance to the Tour Championship, which is played in late September.
The Significance of the FedEx Cup Final
The FedEx Cup final is the culmination of the PGA Tour season, and it determines the tour’s overall champion. The player who wins the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup is considered the best player of the year, and he receives a $15 million bonus. The FedEx Cup final is also significant because it determines the PGA Tour’s season-long awards, including the Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Vardon Trophy for the lowest scoring average. The FedEx Cup final is also the last chance for players to qualify for the following year’s four major championships: the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.
FAQs
1. What is the PGA FedEx Playoffs?
The PGA FedEx Playoffs is a series of four golf tournaments that take place at the end of the PGA Tour season. The playoffs determine the FedEx Cup champion, who is the overall winner of the PGA Tour season.
2. How do players qualify for the PGA FedEx Playoffs?
Players qualify for the PGA FedEx Playoffs by finishing in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the regular season. The top 125 players in the standings advance to the first playoff event, The Northern Trust.
3. How many players advance to the next round of the PGA FedEx Playoffs?
After each playoff event, the number of players advancing to the next round is determined by the number of players who finished in the top 10. For example, after The Northern Trust, the top 10 players advance to the second playoff event, the BMW Championship.
4. What is the format of the PGA FedEx Playoffs?
The PGA FedEx Playoffs consists of four events, with the first three events being stroke play tournaments and the final event being the FedEx Cup Championship. The final event is a 30-man field, with the top 10 players from the previous event earning a spot in the final event.
5. What is the prize money for the PGA FedEx Playoffs?
The prize money for the PGA FedEx Playoffs is $60 million, with the winner of the FedEx Cup Championship earning $15 million.
6. When and where are the PGA FedEx Playoffs held?
The PGA FedEx Playoffs are held in August and September of each year, with the first event, The Northern Trust, being held in New York. The remaining events are held in various locations around the United States.
7. Who has won the most FedEx Cup championships?
Tiger Woods has won the most FedEx Cup championships with five victories. Other multiple winners include Rory McIlroy, Billy Horschel, and Justin Thomas.