MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The largely-manufactured drama of the PGA Tour’s postseason has always undercut the relative success of the playoffs.
Meaningful golf during a time of year when only football matters is the secret sauce of the postseason, and making it to the Tour Championship has always come with all manner of perks, with the $18 million payday to the FedExCup champion being the primary motivation. But true drama has largely been an illusion.
The top 125 who have historically qualified for the playoffs have also secured their status for the following season, which means, other than qualifying for the season finale, the only real stress test was working your way up the points list to earn more money.