Scottie Scheffler arrived at the FedEx St. Jude Championship with his Olympic gold medal but kept it in his backpack, finding it heavy around his neck. With his victory in Paris being his seventh of the year, he enters the FedEx Cup playoffs with a comfortable lead in points, double that of his closest competitor. However, the points system will be adjusted for the Tour Championship, potentially narrowing his lead to just two strokes.
Scheffler expressed skepticism about the fairness of the season-long points race, especially when it all comes down to one tournament. He believes the current system does not accurately reflect a true season-long race and questions whether a player’s withdrawal due to injury should significantly impact the final standings. Despite this, he acknowledges the need to balance the competition with the entertainment value for viewers.
The FedEx Cup, now in its 18th year, has undergone several changes over time to prevent an anticlimactic finish like Vijay Singh clinching without playing the final tournament. Scheffler recognizes the potential benefits of such a scenario for him but understands the importance of maintaining viewer engagement. While he has led going into the Tour finale the past two years, he has been overtaken by other players on both occasions.
Scheffler aims to win the FedEx Cup and views the upcoming Tour Championship as the ultimate test, despite his previous struggles at East Lake Golf Club. He is optimistic about the course changes and looks forward to the challenge. Should he emerge victorious, it would solidify his position as Player of the Year, although Xander Schauffele, winner of two majors, poses a significant threat to his claim to that title.
Ultimately, the season-long trophy for the FedEx Cup champion will be awarded on September 1st at the conclusion of the Tour Championship. Scheffler remains focused on his goal and is determined to put his best performance forward in hopes of securing the title. As the competition heats up, the golfing world eagerly anticipates the outcome of this prestigious event.
