FedExCup Playoffs Explained - Format, Points & How It Works

The FedExCup Playoffs represent the climax of the PGA Tour season, condensing eight months of competition into three dramatic weeks that determine golf's ultimate season-long champion. Introduced in 2007 to create a compelling conclusion to the tour's regular season, the playoffs have evolved into one of professional golf's most lucrative and closely watched competitions.

Understanding the playoff format, points system and elimination structure is essential for any golf fan following the PGA Tour. This guide explains exactly how the FedExCup Playoffs work and what makes them so compelling.

The FedExCup Regular Season Foundation

Before diving into the playoffs, it is crucial to understand how players earn their way into this exclusive field. The FedExCup regular season runs from January through to late August, encompassing approximately 35-40 events including the four major championships.

Points Accumulation

Throughout the regular season, players earn FedExCup points based on their finishing positions in each event:

• Tournament winners receive 500 points for regular events
• Major championships award 600 points to the winner
• Signature events with limited fields award 700 points
• Lower finishes receive points on a sliding scale down to last place

The points system rewards consistency over the entire season while still providing significant rewards for winning. A player could theoretically lead the FedExCup without winning a tournament by accumulating numerous top-10 finishes.

Playoff Qualification

Only the top 70 players in FedExCup points at the conclusion of the regular season earn spots in the playoffs. This cutoff creates intense drama in the final weeks before the playoffs begin, with players on the bubble competing fiercely for the precious few remaining spots.

The regular season cutoff typically falls after the Wyndham Championship in August, with the exact date varying slightly from year to year based on the PGA Tour schedule.

Playoff Format - Three Events, Three Eliminations

The FedExCup Playoffs consist of three events played over consecutive weeks, with the field reduced after each tournament:

Event 1: FedEx St. Jude Championship

• Field: Top 70 players from regular season standings
• Elimination: Field reduced to top 50 after completion
• Format: Standard 72-hole stroke play tournament
• Significance: Last chance for players outside the top 50 to continue their season

This opening playoff event often produces the most dramatic eliminations, as established stars who struggled during the regular season face early elimination from the playoffs.

Event 2: BMW Championship

• Field: Top 50 players from FedEx St. Jude Championship standings
• Elimination: Field reduced to top 30 for Tour Championship
• Format: 72-hole stroke play, typically no cut
• Significance: Determines who reaches the season finale

The BMW Championship represents the final opportunity for players to earn their way into the exclusive Tour Championship field. The event often features loaded leaderboards with minimal separating dozens of players in the race for the top 30.

Event 3: Tour Championship

• Field: Top 30 players in playoff standings
• Format: 72-hole stroke play with staggered starting scores
• Prize: $25 million bonus to FedExCup champion
• Venue: East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta (traditional host)

The Tour Championship serves as both an individual tournament and the FedExCup finale, using a unique format that combines season-long points with final tournament performance.

The Tour Championship Staggered Start System

The Tour Championship employs a distinctive format that converts season-long FedExCup points into starting score advantages:

Starting Positions

Players begin the Tour Championship with different scores based on their FedExCup playoff standings:

• 1st place: Starts at 10-under par
• 2nd place: Starts at 8-under par
• 3rd place: Starts at 7-under par
• 4th place: Starts at 6-under par
• 5th place: Starts at 5-under par
• 6th-10th place: Start at 4-under par
• 11th-15th place: Start at 3-under par
• 16th-20th place: Start at 2-under par
• 21st-25th place: Start at 1-under par
• 26th-30th place: Start at even par

Winner Determination

The player with the lowest cumulative score after four rounds wins both the Tour Championship tournament and the FedExCup. This system ensures that the season-long points leader maintains an advantage whilst still allowing lower-seeded players realistic chances to win with exceptional play.

Prize Money and Bonuses

The FedExCup Playoffs feature massive prize pools that dwarf regular season events:

FedExCup Bonus Pool

• Winner: $25 million
• 2nd place: $12.5 million
• 3rd place: $7.5 million
• Substantial bonuses down through the top 150 in final standings

Tournament Prize Money

Each playoff event offers standard PGA Tour prize money in addition to the season-long bonuses, meaning players can earn substantial sums even without claiming the overall FedExCup title.

Strategic Considerations

The playoff format creates unique strategic dynamics that differ from regular season events:

Conservative vs Aggressive Play

Players with comfortable leads in playoff standings may play more conservatively to avoid elimination, whilst those on the bubble must adopt aggressive strategies to move up the leaderboard.

Course Management

Playoff courses are typically set up to reward precision over power, though this varies by venue. Players must adapt their strategy to each specific track whilst keeping playoff position in mind.

Mental Pressure

The elimination format and massive prize money create intense psychological pressure. Players must manage both individual tournament goals and season-long objectives simultaneously.

Notable Moments in Playoff History

The FedExCup Playoffs have produced numerous memorable moments since their inception:

• Tiger Woods' 2007 victory: Won the inaugural FedExCup with dramatic play during the playoff events
• Scottie Scheffler's dominance: Multiple FedExCup titles showcasing consistent excellence
• Bubble drama: Numerous instances of players barely making cuts or missing out on playoff advancement by single shots

How Playoff Standings Work

Understanding playoff standings requires tracking multiple moving parts:

Points Reset

Points reset partially between playoff events, with the leading players maintaining advantages whilst allowing movement for strong play.

Tiebreakers

When players finish tied in playoff standings, tiebreakers include head-to-head results, performance in playoff events and season-long statistics.

Live Tracking

With so much at stake, live tracking becomes essential during playoff events. Players' positions can fluctuate dramatically with each shot, making real-time updates crucial for following the drama.

Following the Playoffs Live

The FedExCup Playoffs offer some of the most compelling golf of the year, with enormous stakes and multiple storylines playing out simultaneously. GolfMode provides comprehensive coverage:

• Real-time leaderboards showing both tournament and playoff positions
• Elimination tracking for players on the bubble
• Projected standings based on current scores
• Head-to-head comparisons between players fighting for playoff position

For comprehensive background on the tour these players compete on all season, see our complete PGA Tour guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players make the FedExCup Playoffs?

The top 70 players in FedExCup points at the end of the regular season qualify for the playoffs. This field is then reduced to 50 after the first playoff event, then to 30 for the Tour Championship finale.

Can a player win the FedExCup without winning the Tour Championship?

No. Under the current format, the Tour Championship winner automatically wins the FedExCup. The staggered start system ensures that the player with the best four-round score at East Lake claims both prizes.

What happens if a player gets injured during the playoffs?

Injured players who cannot continue forfeit their playoff position. The field size remains as planned, with no replacements added. This has happened several times, creating unexpected opportunities for players lower in the standings.

How much are FedExCup playoffs worth compared to regular tournaments?

The total FedExCup bonus pool exceeds $100 million, with the winner receiving $25 million. This dwarfs regular tournament prize money and makes the playoffs among the highest-stakes competitions in professional sport.

Do playoff points count towards the following season?

No. FedExCup points reset to zero after the Tour Championship, and all players begin the next season on equal footing. The playoffs represent a complete conclusion to each season's competition.

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