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PGA Tour Ends Starting-Strokes System, Restores Traditional 72-Hole Tour Championship

The PGA Tour cited feedback from players alongside fan surveys in reverting to a stroke-play finale where all 30 entrants start at level par.

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Sep 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan addresses the gallery gathered on the 18th green after the final round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The FedExCup Trophy is displayed on the 18th green after the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 01, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Overview

  • Beginning Aug. 21–24 at East Lake Golf Club, all competitors will tee off at even par and compete over four rounds with the FedExCup awarded to the tournament winner.
  • The PGA Tour Rules Committee will tighten hole locations and adjust fairway widths to foster more risk-and-reward opportunities across each round.
  • FedExCup bonus payouts will be redistributed more evenly to reflect equal winning chances for all 30 players.
  • The Tour Championship field remains at 30 for 2025 while the Player Advisory Council reviews future FedExCup qualification criteria.
  • Top players including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy had criticized the previous staggered-start format as confusing and uncompetitive.