GREENSBORO, N.C. – Max Homa is making a determined effort to climb the FedExCup standings during the Wyndham Championship as he attempts to secure a spot in the FedExCup Playoffs. Positioned at No. 106 entering this tournament, Homa needs a top-two finish to advance beyond the top 70 players who qualify for the playoffs, fueling his motivation in this crucial week.
Opening his Wyndham Championship round at Sedgefield Country Club with a strong 4-under 66, Homa sits five strokes behind early leader Joel Dahmen, a close friend standing at No. 101 in the FedExCup rankings. Despite the tough path ahead, Homa’s back-to-back birdies and consistent iron play offer optimism in his bid to stay among the elite golfers competing in next season’s Signature Events.
Homa’s Challenging Season and Recent Turnaround
This season has been difficult for Homa, whose early struggles seemed to reflect the significant changes in his approach. Adjusting to a new swing coach, caddie, and equipment, he managed only one top-25 finish in his first 16 tournaments. His position at No. 122 in the FedExCup before the John Deere Classic underscored the challenges he faced.
However, a breakthrough occurred during a Wednesday practice session at the John Deere Classic, where Homa found a rhythm in his swing that had previously eluded him. This improvement translated on the course as he led the tournament through the front nine on Sunday and finished tied for fifth, then followed with two made cuts leading into the Wyndham.
“Since that Wednesday, I don’t think I’ve had a bad ball-striking day,”
Homa shared, reflecting on his progress. —Max Homa, PGA TOUR Professional
Homa’s resurgence is evident in his tee-to-green performance, particularly at the 3M Open last week where he performed well but was hampered by his putting, finishing 39th overall. Similarly, at the Wyndham, despite hitting 15 of 18 greens in regulation and gaining nearly four strokes in approach shots, Homa missed several short putts that could have lowered his score even further.
Pressure and Past Comebacks Fuel Current Ambition
Homa is no stranger to pressure-packed situations that determine his professional status. In 2018, he made four consecutive birdies during the Korn Ferry Tour Regular Season finale to secure his TOUR card, a pivotal moment that launched his successful PGA TOUR career. He has described that high-pressure scenario as more intense than the moment he sealed his first PGA TOUR victory at the Truist Championship.
Now, the stakes involve retaining his spot in PGA TOUR Signature Events, which requires solid FedExCup positioning. Beyond his career implications, Homa’s personal life adds weight to his determination; he and his wife, Lacey, are expecting their second child soon, mirroring the parallel situation with friend Joel Dahmen and his wife, Lona.
Homa’s Determined Mindset Heading Into the Weekend
Despite the challenges, Homa remains hopeful about what lies ahead. He acknowledges the necessity of shooting extremely low scores in the coming rounds to secure the playoff position he covets. His confident ball-striking and birdie streak at the beginning of the championship provide a foundation to build upon.
“It’s kind of freeing playing Thursday, not even thinking about anything but winning the golf tournament, but back feels against the wall,”
Homa said after his first round.
It feels anytime you lip out a putt, it just hurts a little bit more. Part of it, I think I’ll learn from because I think the mindset you have on weeks like this, although you don’t want them, is something to take forward with you when the season starts up again next year.
—Max Homa, PGA TOUR Professional
“If I can get some putts to go in, I could do some serious damage,”
he added.
I really like where my game’s at. I just have to start to make something.
—Max Homa, PGA TOUR Professional
Homa’s drive to compete fiercely despite the stakes embodies his career resilience and ambition. Whether or not he secures a spot in the FedExCup Playoffs, his effort at Wyndham highlights the ongoing narrative of one of golf’s most hardworking and popular players.