Michael Kim, who entered the week ranked 42nd in the FedEx Cup playoffs, has surged to No. 26 after delivering an impressive second-round performance Friday at the BMW Championship. This improvement positions Kim closer to qualifying for the season-ending Tour Championship, a prestigious event with a $40 million purse, including a $10 million winner’s prize.
The BMW Championship is the second event in the three-week FedEx Cup playoff series, held at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland. Kim’s strong play has garnered attention as he seeks to maintain momentum and secure a spot among the top 30 players advancing to the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
Two California Golden Bears Golfers Show Diverging Fortunes
While Michael Kim’s performance has provided a boost in the standings, fellow California Golden Bears alumnus Collin Morikawa has experienced a decline. Morikawa, a two-time major champion, started the week ranked 17th but fell to 23rd after posting a second-round 74.
Kim carded a 4-under 66 on Friday, including five birdies that lifted him to a total of 6-under, tying him for fifth place alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Maverick McNealy. In contrast, Morikawa’s round was marred by multiple bogeys and a double bogey, resulting in a 4-over 74 and placing him tied for 39th at 4-over par.
Standout Performances at Caves Valley Golf Club
Leading the field after two rounds is Robert MacIntyre of Scotland, who extended his lead to five strokes with a cumulative 14-under par. MacIntyre fired rounds of 62 and 64, amassing 16 birdies against only two bogeys in the process. Following him closely is world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the current FedEx Cup points leader, who sits in second place at 9-under after a second-round 65.
Ludvig Aberg trails Scheffler by a single stroke after matching MacIntyre’s 64, sitting at 8-under overall. Hideki Matsuyama also produced a 64 and holds fourth place at 7-under.
Challenges and Opportunities for Collin Morikawa
Morikawa’s Friday round proved difficult as bogeys on several holes and a double bogey on the par-4 seventh significantly hampered his chances of advancing aggressively up the leaderboard. Despite this, Morikawa maintains a viable mathematical chance to reach the Tour Championship, though his recent form has been inconsistent during the season.
Since his last victory in October 2023, Morikawa has struggled, missing the cut twice in July, including at The Open Championship in Scotland. Most recently, he finished 22nd at the St. Jude Championship despite a promising start with a 9-under through two rounds.
Michael Kim’s Momentum and Prospects
After overcoming a bogey early on the third hole, Michael Kim’s round featured birdies on the 7th, 8th, 11th, 15th, and 17th holes, reflecting sustained composure and skill. Although Kim holds only one PGA Tour win in his career, his current surge in the FedEx Cup playoffs underscores his potential to contend more consistently on this stage.
Kim’s rise into the top 30 places him within reach of the Tour Championship, where he will compete for significant prize money and FedEx Cup points. Maintaining this level of performance over the remaining rounds will be critical for his playoff aspirations.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Stakes Intensify as Tour Championship Nears
With the FedEx Cup playoffs reaching their middle stage, performances at the BMW Championship will have a crucial impact on which players advance to Atlanta for the Tour Championship. Kim’s ascent and Morikawa’s struggles exemplify the volatility and pressure of these events as players vie for the lucrative purse and prestige.
As the final rounds unfold, maintaining consistency and gathering points will be essential for all contenders. Michael Kim’s recent form suggests he could remain an exciting player to watch as the playoffs reach their climax.
“Kim bogeyed the third hole on Friday before recording birdies on Nos. 7, 8, 11, 15 and 17.” —Jeff Faraudo, Sports Writer
“Morikawa has six career victories on tour but is without a win since October 2023.” —Jeff Faraudo, Sports Writer
“Two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, 28, began the week at No. 17 in the standings but has slipped to 23rd in the FedEx projections.” —Jeff Faraudo, Sports Writer