Scottie Scheffler rolls into the Tour Championship as the clear favorite to grab the FedEx Cup and its massive $10 million winner’s share. The world number one is gunning for a third victory this season, a feat that would lock up his fifth straight Player of the Year award. Only Tiger Woods ever pulled off that dominant streak. The pressure? It’s real. But the format change looming for 2028 promises to shake up the entire game.
The Money and the Moment
This week at East Lake Golf Club, the field of 30 players battles for a $40 million purse. The winner takes home the largest single paycheck in golf history. Per Golf Monthly, Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick will tee off last on Thursday after leading the standings. Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele start at 12:54 pm local time, while Wyndham Clark and Cameron Young go out at 1:48 pm.
Scheffler fought through hand, foot, and mouth disease last week yet still tied for 12th. That grit sets him apart. Three of the last four Tour Championships saw him open with scores of 65 or better. McIlroy, meanwhile, was “lost” after a 66th place finish in Memphis but roared back to third in St. Louis. The battle for the top spot is tight, but the reward is life-changing.
That reward isn’t just about the check this week.
A Radical Shift for 2028
The Tour isn’t resting on its laurels. Plans for a revamped postseason were announced ahead of this week’s event. The new model will feature match play over two weeks at different venues starting in 2028. Rory McIlroy sees this as a necessary evolution for the sport. Speaking to Golf Monthly, he stated that the PGA Tour, Future Competition Committee, Brian, and all involved have truly embraced fan demands for match play.
McIlroy admits the transition will be tricky for some competitors. He observed that competing in match play while vying for 14th place or similar standings will prove difficult for certain players. Yet he supports the risk. “It’s certainly different. Two weeks, two different venues. But it’s cool.” According to him, they’ve made a bold move, and conceptually, he finds the idea very appealing.
This change departs from the stroke-play format fans have known for years. McIlroy believes the new structure will be a great thing for the game. The first week will determine the top 16, who then advance to the second week of matches. It creates a clear path to the title while keeping the drama alive until the very end.
Why the Risk Pays Off
Traditional golf fans might worry about the change, but the current format lacks urgency. Match play forces players to attack rather than play safe. The new structure ensures that every shot matters more than ever. McIlroy thinks the incentives are right and that the regular season champion will be rewarded before the final match play event. The regular season ends with a final stroke-play event, followed by the unique Tour Championship match play.
The Tour is betting that this excitement will draw more eyes. With a $10 million prize on the line, players won’t hold back.
