Today marks the beginning of the FedEx Cup playoffs, as the Top 125 tee it up at The Northern Trust in Jersey this morning. I think Harold Varner III is leading the pack at -6 as I’m writing this piece with several trailing right behind. And we can all agree, the playoffs are where it’s’ at. Golf might be a little different, as the year’s major winners are typically the talking points of the season and the rounds that are remembered, but to the players, there’s no major that pays out $10 million, so the stakes are definitely high. And in the end, it’s truly the marker to how you performed throughout the year.
Anyhow, we’re all expecting to see some great golf this weekend. There’s a couple storylines I’ll plan on following throughout the tournament. First is Oosthuizen opting out from playing this weekend. This isn’t a huge deal per say, and I don’t think the media is making that big of deal from it, but isn’t it a little unfair that’s even possible. You didn’t receive a ‘bye,’ you decided not to play in a playoff match. Not sure I agree with that decision. It’s undoubtedly been a tough season for Louis, but he’s playing really good golf. Good enough to clear several million dollars in earnings, just hasn’t been good enough to stand in the winner’s circle as often as we all probably thought he should of, that’s golf.
Next, I got my eye on the points leader Collin Morikowa. He’s had nothing short of an incredible year. He won a WGC event in February, he’s now won multiple major championships after winning The Open, had a great showing for the USA in the Tokyo Olympics and leads the field in points headed into this weekend. My question is, can he shut the door??? He’s undoubtedly a significant talent, we’ll see what kind of ice he has in his veins these next few weeks.
I also love the Ryder Cup storyline, who’s out, who’s in. Many of the Americans are hoping to make a statement they should be in consideration for one of Stricker’s picks at the end of next weekend following the BMW Championship. Kisner is a great example. He’s good in match play, just won the Wyndham Championship last weekend, but still has some work to do many think to get a spot on the team.
So according to DraftKings Sportsbook, Rahm is current favorite at +750. Hovland, DJ, JT, Scheffler, Schauffele and Cantlay are all trailing in the +1800-2000 (give or take) range.
Should be a great opening round.
Cheers to the FedEx Cup Playoffs!
