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yesterday

PGA Tour Ends 'Starting Strokes' as Tour Championship Returns to Even-Par Start at East Lake

Players including Rory McIlroy back the fan-driven reset that makes the 72-hole winner the FedExCup champion with $10 million to the victor.

Aug 16, 2025; Owings Mills, Maryland, USA; Rory McIlroy sinks a putt on the 18th hole during the third round of the BMW Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Golf - The 153rd Open Championship - Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Northern Ireland, Britain - July 20, 2025 Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. celebrates on the 18th green with his caddie Ted Scott after winning The 153rd Open Championship REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/ File Photo
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Overview

  • From Aug. 21–24, the 30-player finale at East Lake will be a traditional 72-hole stroke-play event with all golfers starting at even par, and the champion will also claim the FedExCup.
  • Scottie Scheffler arrives as points leader and a heavy favorite after winning the BMW Championship, eyeing a rare FedExCup repeat under the new level-start format.
  • The PGA Tour Rules Committee has toughened the course setup to target scores closer to par and create more risk-reward decisions throughout each round.
  • The field of 30 is set from the season-long standings, with Harry Hall playing his way in on Sunday and notable near-misses including Michael Kim and Rickie Fowler.
  • The change has renewed debate over the FedExCup’s season-long meaning, as officials emphasize that qualifying for East Lake and earlier bonus payouts reward consistency before the one-week decider.