The final FedExCup playoff event, the TOUR Championship, will be hosted from a renovated East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Each of the 30 players who qualified will tee off on Thursday’s first round with a starting strokes format implemented.
Scottie Scheffler will benefit the most, starting at 10-under-par, followed by Xander Schauffele at 8-under-par, Hideki Matsuyama at 7-under-par, Keegan Bradley at 6-under-par following his outright win at the BMW Championship, and Ludvig Åberg at 5-under-par. The other 25 golfers range between even par and 4-under-par.
In this final one-and-done predictions article, the winning payouts are extremely lucrative, with $25 million awarded to the outright winner at East Lake. Let’s make one final run at winning our one-and-done and survivor league contests at East Lake during the finale of the 2024 PGA Tour season. Make sure to follow me on X @Matt_MacKay_ for more free PGA betting insights and advice throughout the week.
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Big Guns
Scottie Scheffler
As if the World No. 1 needed any further help to win for the eighth time this season, which includes his gold medal win in France at the Summer Olympics, Scottie Scheffler’s No. 1 rank in the FedExCup means he’ll start atop the leaderboard at 10-under-par. It’s the third consecutive time Scheffler enters this event No. 1, so the pressure is undoubtedly on him to finally clinch the outright win, landing a $25 million payout. Recent form has been lacking for Scheffler’s standards, but if you have him available, he must be deployed.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele is two strokes behind Scheffler thanks to recording two major wins at the PGA Championship and the British Open. Schauffele ranks second in total strokes gained, while leading the field of 30 golfers in strokes gained: putting. He’s red hot and has historically played well at East Lake, making Schauffele a fantastic play at the TOUR Championship.
Secondary Options
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama withdrew from the BMW Championship due to a sore back but he’s returning to this field for a chance to win the entire FedExCup playoff. Coming off of his win at TPC Southwind during the FedEx St. Jude Championship a couple of weeks ago, Matsuyama nearly imploded but steadied himself on the final two holes after dominating the tournament on the first three days. At 7-under-par, the Japanese golfer enjoys a big cushion to contend this week at East Lake.
Sam Burns
One of the best putters in this field, Sam Burns was one of very few golfers at Castle Pines to score low in Round 4. Burns is a bit shaky off-the-tee and on approach, but his short game rivals anyone at East Lake. 4-under-par is where Burns tees off on Thursday, so he’s got a chance to climb into another top-five finish, especially after going 3-under-par or lower in three of the four rounds at this event in 2023.
Sneaky Plays
Tony Finau
Starting at 3-under-par, Tony Finau has a chance to run the table and rack up a big payout for one-and-done leagues. Finau is ranked fifth SG: approach but his porous short game is a massive concern. We’ve seen Finau manage some success at East Lake, including 6-under-par in the final round in 2022, so backing an accurate iron player isn’t the worst move to make in this field.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is seeking his fourth FedExCup playoff win and starts at 4-under-par on Thursday. McIlroy’s inconsistency is frustrating but he’s still among the best off-the-tee in this field and his approach shots have improved. The putter is the obvious flaw in McIlroy’s bag, but his past success at this event warrants strong consideration.
Favorite One-And-Done: Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele’s prepped for a run at his first FedExCup title at East Lake this year. Yes, the restorative efforts have changed the green surfaces, fairway surfaces, and several bunker locations, but Schauffele’s more than capable of making adjustments with his precise irons and elite putter. Prioritize Schauffele and enjoy the reward on Sunday afternoon.
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