FedEx Cup Playoffs 2018: The Story So Far...
With the curtain falling on the second FedEx Cup Playoff event in Boston this past weekend, it's time to recap and take stock of the state of affairs in the PGA Tour's annual season-ending series.
Last week's Dell Technologies Championship saw Bryson DeChambeau secure back-to-back victories and gather a healthy lead in the FedEx Cup standings as we head to the BMW Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
Whose season ended at TPC Boston? Who survived through to this week's penultimate event? Who will be crowned PGA Tour Champion for 2018? We discuss this all, and more, below...
'The Mad Scientist' Goes Back-To-Back
Bryson DeChambeau stated after his recent win in Massachusetts that he felt his early season play was laying the foundations for a strong end to 2018, and few could argue with his assessment.
Catch the highlights of DeChambeau's recent victory at the Dell Technologies Championship...
With back-to-back FedEx Cup Playoff wins safely tucked away, and having secured a healthy lead in the FedEx Cup standings, the new world no.7 has caught the eye of American Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk and, in doing so, grabbed a place on the plane to Paris later this month.
Whose Bubble Burst In Boston?
Three former major champions missed out on a spot inside the top-70 after poor performances at the Dell Technologies Championship. The trio of Jason Dufner (2013 PGA Champion), Jimmy Walker (2016 PGA Champion) and Stewart Cink (2009 Open Champion) have seen their seasons brought to a premature end, while 'bubble boy' Kevin Streelman fell from 70th to 77th to also miss out.
Players going the other way and teeing it up this week include Tyrrell Hatton, C.T Pan and Peter Uihlein who each broke their way inside the top-70 - Pan, in particular, was the biggest mover of the week jumping 39 spots from 72nd to 33rd.
Watch Hatton suffer an agonising hole-out near miss as the ball jars between flag and hole with an unbelievable amount of spin...
Remaining Field Focus
Bryson DeChambeau heads into the final two events of the FedEx Cup Playoffs with a 2,328 point lead in the standings. Of course, we know that the points are recalibrated after this week's event meaning by the time we hit East Lake Golf Club for the seasonal finale every player in the field has at least a mathematical chance of winning the FedEx Cup.
The top five players in the standings post-BMW Championship can win the FedEx Cup and accompanying title of PGA Tour champion 2017/18 by simply winning the Tour Championship. As things stand, DeChambeau is joined by Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Tony Finau and Justin Thomas.
The three major champions of 2018 are each in prime position to make the final event of the year. Dual major winner Brooks Koepka sits 6th, Master champion Patrick Reed is 13th and Champion Golfer of the Year Francesco Molinari is one place lower in 14th.
Relive 'Frankie's' final round highlights from Carnoustie below...
Who Wins It From Here?
As stated above, the resetting of the FedEx Cup points does massively open the door for someone from back in the pack to win.
Even if DeChambeau were to win at Aronimink (which there's a solid chance of by the way) it means little more for his chances of winning the FedEx Cup. He will go into the Tour Championship as the top seed regardless of what happens at the BMW Championship due to his colossal lead at this stage.
Few would argue if he were to prevail after three victories this season to date and perhaps only Brooks Koepka has impressed more in 2018 with his two stunning major wins.
Justin Thomas finished as runner-up at the Tour Championship last season and could go easily one better this year. If he holds on to his position in the top-5 come Sunday then a win will be enough to go back-to-back with two FedEx titles in a row.
Who do you think could take the FedEx Cup at East Lake? Let us know below...
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