FedEx Cup Top 50: Who’s in, who’s out after Memphis

The conclusion of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship has brought significant shifts in the FedEx Cup standings. As the tournament wrapped up in Memphis, the updated rankings reflected a mix of surprising advancements and heartbreaking eliminations, with some players unexpectedly breaking into the top 50, while others saw their playoff dreams end. With the BMW Championship approaching, the battle for a spot in the prestigious Tour Championship intensifies.

**FedEx Cup Standings After the St. Jude Championship**

The FedEx St. Jude Championship, held from August 10-13, 2024, at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, was a critical moment in the season. The top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings saw a significant reshuffle, with notable players both rising and falling as they fought for a place in the next playoff stage.

Hideki Matsuyama’s victory at the event propelled him to third in the standings, joining Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who held onto their positions at the top. The updated standings now lead into the BMW Championship in Colorado, where the competition to secure a spot in the top 30—and a chance to compete in the Tour Championship—will be fierce.

While Matsuyama’s win was a major highlight, the shifts within the top 50 attracted much attention. The FedEx Cup Playoffs are known for their unpredictability, and this year’s competition was no different. Several players who were on the brink of elimination managed to extend their seasons, while others, despite strong performances earlier in the year, fell short when it counted the most.

**Unexpected Inclusions in the Top 50**

Two of the most significant movers were Nick Dunlap and Eric Cole, both of whom surged more than 15 spots to secure their places in the top 50. Dunlap, who began the week ranked 67th, delivered a clutch performance, tying for fifth in Memphis. His nerves were evident, especially during the final round, but his ability to stay composed under pressure allowed him to leap into 48th place, ensuring his season continues in Colorado.

Eric Cole also made a remarkable jump from 54th to 46th after a strong finish at the St. Jude Championship. Despite a disappointing third round, Cole seemed resigned to missing out on the playoffs, even booking a flight home to Florida. However, a stellar final round, highlighted by a front-nine score of 30 and a crucial bogey putt on the 18th hole, allowed him to keep his playoff hopes alive.

Another notable story was Viktor Hovland’s rise from 57th to 16th place. Despite a season that didn’t meet his usual high standards, Hovland demonstrated resilience in Memphis, nearly capturing the title. Although a late bogey on the 17th hole cost him the win, his performance ensured he remains in contention as the playoffs progress.

Max Greyserman, who had struggled throughout the week, delivered a stunning final round to move from 62nd to 47th. His bogey-free 7-under 63 tied for the low round of the day, securing his place in the top 50. As a rookie, Greyserman’s ability to rise to the occasion in such a high-stakes environment was particularly impressive.

**Heartbreaking Exclusions from the Top 50**

With every success story came disappointment for others. Several players found themselves on the wrong side of the cut line after the St. Jude Championship, ending their playoff runs.

Tom Kim’s collapse was perhaps the most dramatic. Starting the final round in a strong position, a disastrous finish saw him drop out of the top 50, ending his season. A bogey, double bogey, and another double bogey on the last three holes caused him to fall to 51st place, just one spot short of advancing.

Mackenzie Hughes, who entered the week with high hopes, also fell short. Despite a strong start to the first FedEx Cup event, Hughes couldn’t maintain his form, leaving him outside the top 50 and ending his playoff hopes.

These exclusions underscore the unforgiving nature of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, where even a single bad round can undo an entire season’s work. For players like Kim, Hughes, and others who narrowly missed the cut, the disappointment will linger, but they must regroup and look ahead to the next season.

**Top 50 Standings After St. Jude Championship**

1. Scottie Scheffler
2. Xander Schauffele
3. Hideki Matsuyama
4. Collin Morikawa
5. Rory McIlroy
6. Wyndham Clark
7. Ludvig Åberg
8. Sahith Theegala
9. Patrick Cantlay
10. Sungjae Im
11. Shane Lowry
12. Robert MacIntyre
13. Akshay Bhatia
14. Tony Finau
15. Byeong Hun An
16. Viktor Hovland
17. Russell Henley
18. Sam Burns
19. Billy Horschel
20. Matthieu Pavon
21. Aaron Rai
22. Justin Thomas
23. Christiaan Bezuidenhout
24. Sepp Straka
25. Jason Day
26. Davis Thompson
27. Taylor Pendrith
28. Tom Hoge
29. Brian Harman
30. Denny McCarthy
31. Tommy Fleetwood
32. Chris Kirk
33. Corey Conners
34. J.T. Poston
35. Stephan Jaeger
36. Matt Fitzpatrick
37. Will Zalatoris
38. Austin Eckroat
39. Cameron Young
40. Thomas Detry
41. Adam Scott
42. Adam Hadwin
43. Max Homa
44. Si Woo Kim
45. Alex Noren
46. Eric Cole
47. Max Greyserman
48. Nick Dunlap
49. Cam Davis
50. Keegan Bradley

As the BMW Championship approaches, the focus shifts to securing a spot in the top 30, ensuring a place in the Tour Championship. For those who made it through to the next round, the challenge will be to maintain their momentum and secure their place at East Lake Golf Club. For those who fell short, it’s time to reflect and prepare for the next season. The FedEx Cup Playoffs continue to deliver excitement and surprises, keeping golf fans eagerly watching as the action unfolds.