The Wyndham Championship is a relatively low-profile event on the PGA Tour, but it holds significant importance. Serving as the final tournament of the regular season, it is the 36th competition of the year in 2024. Taking place in Greensboro, North Carolina, shortly after the thrilling Men’s Golf event at the Paris Olympics, the Wyndham has the potential to generate numerous compelling narratives. With 19 golfers participating at Le Golf National and Sedgefield Country Club, this tournament offers an opportunity for exciting storylines to unfold.
Beyond the substantial rewards of 500 FedExCup points and a $1.4 million share of the $7.9 million prize pool for the winner, the Wyndham holds greater significance. Finishing among the top 125 in the FedExCup standings guarantees PGA Tour membership until 2025. While in previous years, this tournament represented the final chance for many golfers to solidify their status, the introduction of the FedExCup Fall allows players to accumulate points in a series of events leading up to the RSM Classic.
Nevertheless, a strong performance at Sedgefield can still have a significant impact. As Jordan Spieth emphasized during his pre-tournament press conference in Greensboro, winning the tournament remains the primary focus. However, the excitement is amplified for those players striving to make the Playoffs or secure their positions within the top 125 to regain job security throughout the fall season. The Wyndham Championship has the potential to continue growing and improving, deserving recognition as a pivotal event in the PGA Tour calendar.
The PGA Tour regular season finale serves as the last opportunity for golfers to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs, commencing with the FedEx St. Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind in Memphis the following week. The top 70 players in the standings after the Wyndham secure their spots. This year, the 71st-ranked player will also qualify, replacing Grayson Murray. The top 50 players then progress to the BMW Championship in Denver and secure spots in the 2025 Signature Events. Finally, the top 30 advance to the TOUR Championship at East Lake.
Justin Thomas, currently ranked 19th, does not require any reminder of the importance of the Wyndham Championship. Last year, he needed a birdie on the 18th hole to secure his place in the playoffs, which he accomplished successfully. His friend Jordan Spieth sits in 63rd place and has already secured his spot in Memphis but is yet to secure his place in Denver. Spieth may undergo wrist surgery during the offseason, making it crucial for him to secure his participation in the 2025 signature events.
Victor Perez of France, despite his spirited Sunday performance in Paris, unfortunately does not receive points for his efforts. He currently occupies the 71st spot in the standings, with a three-point advantage over Davis Riley in 72nd place and an eight-point lead over Andrew Putnam in 72nd place. Perez needs to at least make the cut to secure a spot in the postseason.
Nick Dunlap began the year as a sophomore at the University of Alabama but has already emerged as a professional on the PGA Tour with two victories to his name. However, his 65th place in the FedExCup standings means his focus will be on maintaining his spot in Memphis while aiming to qualify for Denver. It is worth noting that Dunlap is only 20 years old, making his achievements even more impressive.
Defending champion Lucas Glover, currently ranked 76th, needs a top-24 finish to advance to the next stage. Last year, his victory propelled him from 112th to 49th place, and he carried that momentum to a win at the St. Jude tournament.
