The PGA Tour this week scrapped its controversial “starting strokes” format for the Tour Championship, moving to a traditional 72-hole, even-par shootout for the FedEx Cup finale, set for Aug. 21–24, at East Lake Golf Course in Atlanta, GA. Under the old system (2019–2024), the season’s points leader began the tournament at 10-under, and others slotted at various scores to crown a single champion.
Starting score according to FedEx Cup rank:
1st: -10
2nd -8
3rd: -7
4th -6
5th: -5
6th-10th: -4
11th-15th: -3
16th-20th: -2
21st-25th: -1
26th-30th: Even (E)
The system was designed so that whoever won the tournament would also win the FedEx Cup, avoiding the confusion of having two separate winners. This had mixed reviews. Some players and fans loved the simplicity of crowning one champion, but many found it confusing. Scottie Scheffler told reporters in Dublin, Ohio, this week, "Making the Tour Championship is truly going to be the result from a great body of work over the course of a season, and then you have an opportunity to win the Tour Championship and the FedExCup." In other words, season points earned you an entry – but once you’re in, it’s anybody’s tournament on the course.
Critics argued that it penalized players lower on the list too harshly. It could also mask who actually played the best golf during the week. Now, everyone starts at even par, like a regular tournament. Xander Schauffele, a former Tour Champion, agreed, telling PGATour.com, “I think it will be easier to follow for fans now that everyone is starting at level. And, shoot, if you make it in as 30th – I made it in as 27th before – you have a nice look at trying to win this thing.” In short, every qualifier deserves a real shot, and simpler scoring rewards strong play under pressure.
