PGA Tour officials are exploring significant changes to the FedEx Cup finale format, aiming for a solution that satisfies players and fans alike.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has emphasized that ‘everything is on the table’ as the organization contemplates another overhaul of the Tour Championship to define the FedEx Cup champion. This transformation requires PGA Tour board approval and might face challenges in aligning players and fans. Patrick Cantlay, a board member, expressed a desire for a format that excites both competitors and audiences. As of now, discussions are ongoing, with no definitive plan presented to the Players Advisory Council.
Several concepts are being reviewed, including the impact on television broadcasts and corporate hospitality at East Lake. Current considerations involve maintaining stroke play to narrow fields and introducing medal matches, which involve head-to-head stroke play over 18 holes. Match play, while pure, may not be as engaging due to a shrinking field.
The present format, which began in 2019, has drawn criticism. It uses ‘starting strokes,’ where the No. 1 seed begins at 10-under par, down to even par for the last five seeds. This was designed to avoid past confusion, such as when Tiger Woods’ victory overshadowed Justin Rose’s FedEx Cup win in 2018. However, Scottie Scheffler’s recent win, despite not having the lowest score, has reignited debate about fairness and clarity.
Adam Scott, another board member, regards the Tour Championship as a ‘legacy’ event diminished by frequent changes. He won the inaugural event in 2006 and believes it’s time to reconsider the format for a more fitting season finale. Bracket models, akin to NCAA tournaments, have been suggested but may not fit golf due to the minimal skill gap among top players.
Keegan Bradley described the current system as ‘clunky,’ advocating for head-to-head competition which could heighten the event’s pressure and excitement. Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa and Scott echoed concerns about predicting outcomes based on seeds, unlike sports like tennis. Some propose returning to a mixed format, with early stroke play followed by a final head-to-head showdown for the FedEx Cup title.
Tony Finau cautioned against relying solely on match play, arguing that it strays too far from the sport’s traditions and might not be fair, despite potential drama. He stressed that any changes should respect the weight of the championship’s stakes.
As discussions continue, the PGA Tour seeks a balance between tradition and innovation to enhance the FedEx Cup finale. The goal is to craft a format that captures the competitive essence of golf while satisfying both players and fans.
Source: Local10
