How do points work on PGA Tour
Ever wondered how the FedEx Cup’s points system shapes the PGA Tour’s climax? Since its launch in 20071, this championship has turned every drive and putt into a battle for $75 million2. Imagine the pressure of earning 600 points for a major win—or the thrill of watching 30 players fight for the $18 million prize2. This system isn’t just numbers on a leaderboard; it’s the pulse of golf’s high-stakes chase. Ready to decode how every stroke counts?
Highly detailed, technologically-advanced infographic depicting the FedEx Cup points system. Sleek, minimalist design with a clean, professional aesthetic. Crisp, high-resolution rendering with sharp focus and perfect lighting. Vibrant color palette of blues, greens, and grays. Prominent, eye-catching visual representation of the point accumulation process, tournament structure, and qualification criteria. Intuitive layout and data visualization, allowing for easy understanding of how the points system works. Subtle, elegant background elements complementing the main information display.
Key Takeaways
- The FedEx Cup playoffs feature three tournaments: FedEx St. Jude Championship, BMW Championship, and Tour Championship2.
- Majors wins grant 600 points, while regular-season events award 500 points for victories2.
- Top 125 players qualify for playoffs, with points reset to reset stakes2.
- A $75 million purse awaits, with the champion earning $18 million2.
- Launched in 2007, the system transformed golf’s end-of-season showdown1.

Overview of the FedEx Cup Points System
Every shot counts in professional golf. The FedEx Cup makes every performance count all season. It's the PGA Tour's top prize, rewarding players for their hard work and skill over 46 tournaments.
This system turns a year into a single race for $18 million2. It makes every tee shot a strategic move.
What is the FedEx Cup?
Launched in 2007, it's golf's biggest prize. Players earn points in every PGA Tour event. Winning a regular event gets you 500 points2.
Major wins and the Players Championship get you 600 points2. The Playoffs make things even more intense. Winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship or BMW Championship gets you 2000 points each2
A sleek, modern FedEx Cup points leaderboard displayed on a large, high-resolution scoreboard. The leaderboard features a clean, minimalist design with the players' names, their current standings, and their accumulated points displayed in a clear, easy-to-read format. The background is a subtle, professional-looking gradient, with soft lighting that creates a sense of depth and dimension. The overall aesthetic is sophisticated and visually appealing, reflecting the prestige and importance of the FedEx Cup tournament.
Importance of Points in Professional Golf
Points are crucial in golf. The top 125 earners after the regular season make it to the playoffs2. By the Tour Championship, only 30 players are left fighting for $18 million2.
Your standing affects next season too. Top 50 finishers get full Tour privileges. Those ranked 51-60 get key event entries3.
“The FedEx Cup forces you to peak when it matters most.”
Every point earned in fall events carries over, making it a year-round challenge3. Knowing FedEx Cup scoring rules helps players choose which tournaments to play. It's about being consistent and performing well when it counts.
For fans, following how are points awarded in FedEx Cup games shows who's truly the best. It's not just about winning once. It's about building a legacy all season.
Historical Evolution of the Points System
Since 2007, the FedEx Cup has changed its points system to keep things exciting. The FedEx Cup points calculation and standings algorithm have been updated each year. This is to avoid predictable results4. Let's see how these updates have made the playoffs thrilling.
A detailed technical diagram of the FedEx Cup points system algorithm, with a clean and minimal design aesthetic. The foreground should feature a flowchart-style visualization of the various stages and calculations involved in determining the FedEx Cup standings, using elegant geometric shapes, lines, and icons to represent the different factors. The middle ground should show high-level statistics and data points related to the point system, such as tournament weights, bonus structures, and cumulative scoring. The background should have a subtle grid or graph paper-like pattern, conveying a sense of structure and precision. The overall mood should be informative and analytical, with a cool, modern color palette and soft, directional lighting to highlight the technical details.
Timeline of Points Changes
- 2007: It started with a $40M bonus pool, but Vijay Singh's early win led to quick changes4.
- 2008: Rules were tweaked to let more players compete in the playoffs4.
- 2013: Points now decide PGA Tour membership for 125 golfers, making regular-season play more important4.
- 2019: “Starting strokes” were introduced at the Tour Championship, with leaders starting at 10-under par5.
- 2024: The current system offers $18M to the champion and a $75M total bonus pool4.
Key Milestones in FedEx Cup History
The 2019 FedEx Cup standings algorithm change was a big deal. It made the Tour Championship more fair:
Position | Starting Strokes |
---|---|
1 | 10-under |
2 | 8-under |
3 | 7-under |
6-10 | 4-under |
26-30 | Even par |
This change helped underdogs like Justin Thomas (2020) and Scottie Scheffler (2024) win4. The 2013 rule linking points to membership added excitement to every tournament4. Each update shows the Tour's dedication to fairness and excitement.
From $40M in 2007 to $100M today, the system rewards consistency and keeps fans excited4. These updates highlight the FedEx Cup's ongoing evolution to celebrate golf's unpredictability.

How Points are Earned in FedEx Cup
Learning about FedEx Cup points starts with its tiered system. Winners of regular PGA Tour events get 500 points6. Players who make the cut share points based on their finish7. But, majors and big events like the Players Championship offer 750 points for the winner6.
Performance in Regular Season Events
Being consistent is key. You earn points in every event you play. Winning a regular tour event gets you 500 points. Finishing 10th gets you 100 points. But, if you miss the cut, you get nothing7. Remember, every tournament matters.
Bonus Points for Major Tournaments
Majors and the Players Championship give 750 points to winners. These events are crucial for moving up. For example, Scottie Scheffler's 2023 U.S. Open win earned him 750 points7.
Additional Points Opportunities
The playoffs increase the stakes. FedEx Cup points are quadrupled in the playoffs. Winning the BMW Championship gets you 2,000 points6. Plus, your playoff standing sets your starting position at the Tour Championship. The top seed starts 10 under par, and others have a tiered system6.
Playoff Position | Starting Position |
---|---|
1st | 10-under par |
2nd-5th | 8-under to 5-under |
6th-10th | 4-under |
Every number here helps you reach the $15 million bonus pool6.
Points Distribution Among Players
Understanding FedEx Cup points shows how small differences can change the season. Let's look at the numbers that make the difference.

Top Finishers and Their Points
Playoff events make the stakes higher. Winners get 2,000 points, four times what they get in regular season8. The difference between first and second is huge. Scottie Scheffler leads by 1,936 points over Xander Schauffele, a big gap8.
This big gap rewards those who lead the way.
Position | Playoff Points |
---|---|
1st | 2,000 |
2nd | 1,200 |
3rd | 760 |
4th | 540 |
5th | 440 |
Average Points per Tournament
Winning a regular-season event gets you 500 points9. But, Signature Events like The Players Championship give 750 points. Eight other events give 700 points9.
A top-10 finish can get you 75-150 points8. But, missing the cut means zero points. The difference is clear: leaders start at -10, while 26th-place players start at even par8.
The Role of the Playoffs
When the regular season ends, the FedEx Cup playoffs start. They offer a chance to win $18 million10. The top 70 players compete in three big events: the FedEx St. Jude Championship, BMW Championship, and Tour Championship11. This is where
- Playoff Series: Three tournaments with fields of 70, 50, and 30 players11
- Point Bonuses: Playoff wins award 2,000 points—quadruple the regular-season 50011
- Final Stakes: The Tour Championship’s “starting strokes” give top seeds like Scottie Scheffler (-10 strokes) critical advantages11.
How do points work in FedEx Cup playoffs? Regular season points carry over, but playoff performance is key. A BMW Championship win by Keegan Bradley moved him to 4th place10. Each playoff event changes the ranking, with the Tour Championship's 30-player finale deciding the winner11. The stakes are higher as the field gets smaller, with the top seed starting 10 strokes ahead11.
Every finish is important: 2nd place gets 1,200 points, and 3rd gets 76011. Players like Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama must fight to keep their spots10. The playoffs make the FedEx Cup a thrilling race where every shot is crucial.
Points Redemption and Rewards
The FedEx Cup points system turns points into big rewards. The top player at the end wins $18 million from a $75 million pool18. Even those in 126th place get $85,000 and a chance to play on the Tour.
A vibrant infographic depicting the FedEx Cup points system, showcasing a sleek, minimalist design. In the foreground, a dynamic trophy trophy stands prominently, symbolizing the ultimate prize. The middle ground features a neatly arranged grid of points values, each cell illuminated with a soft, warm glow. In the background, a subtle pattern of golf course silhouettes provides a dynamic visual context. The overall composition conveys a sense of prestige, competition, and the high stakes of the FedEx Cup tournament. Crisp lighting and a neutral color palette create a polished, professional appearance.
- Top 125 players get full PGA Tour memberships for the next year.
- Players 126–150 get conditional status. They can try to get better at Q-School18.
- Major winners get 750 FedEx Cup playoff points. That's 250 more than regular events18.
Money is just the beginning. The winner gets a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour18. This lets them focus on winning majors.
Even those who don't win get rewards. Coming in 50th gets you $3 million. Coming in 100th gets you $1.2 million19. The points leader gets to play in THE PLAYERS Championship and the U.S. Open19.
“The FedEx Cup playoff points aren’t just numbers—they’re opportunities,” says a Tour analyst. “A strong finish can erase years of uncertainty.”
Players with high FedEx Cup points get into big events like the Masters and Ryder Cup. Even those not in the top 100 get benefits. They get conditional statuses and bonus exemptions19.
FAQ
Q: What is the FedEx Cup?
A: The FedEx Cup is the PGA Tour's top season-long event. It rewards points across all tournaments. This helps find the most consistent golfer.
Q: How do points work in the FedEx Cup?
A: Points are given based on how well players do in tournaments. The values change for different events, like majors. Points build up during the regular season and playoffs.
Q: Why is understanding the FedEx Cup points system important?
A: Knowing the points system is key for fans and players. It shapes the PGA Tour's competition and career paths.
Q: How has the FedEx Cup points system evolved since its inception?
A: Since 2007, the system has changed to make the competition better. Changes in 2008, 2009, 2013, and 2019 made the championship more exciting.
Q: What are the key milestones in FedEx Cup history?
A: Important moments include switching to a points system and starting the playoffs. The "starting strokes" format at the Tour Championship has also changed the game.
Q: How are points earned during the season?
A: Players get points for their finishes in regular and major tournaments. Winners of regular events get 500 points. Major winners can get up to 750 points.
Q: Can players earn additional points in special events?
A: Yes, players can get extra points in special tournaments. Winners of these events get 300 points. Consistent finishes also add up points throughout the season.
Q: How is points distribution structured among players?
A: Points are given out in a way that higher finishes get more points. For example, a winner gets 500-750 points. Top-10 finishers get less, going down to those just making the cut.
Q: What role do playoffs play in the FedEx Cup points system?
A: The playoffs are three big events. They use points from the regular season but with higher values. This makes late-season performance even more critical.
Q: How do players strategize to maximize their points?
A: Players plan their schedules to hit "points-rich" tournaments. They aim for consistency over just one big win to get the most points.
Q: What are the rewards for accumulating points in the FedEx Cup?
A: The FedEx Cup offers big rewards. This includes a $75 million bonus pool, tour privileges, and insurance into major events. It also helps secure a career through exemptions.
Q: How can fans engage with the FedEx Cup points system?
A: Fans can follow the points race online. They can use interactive leaderboards and live updates. This makes the experience more exciting through fantasy golf and player stories.

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