Scottie Scheffler stands out as the favorite in this year’s FedExCup Playoffs, heading into the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Unlike previous editions since 2019, the Starting Strokes format has been removed, meaning all 30 players, including Scheffler, begin play from even par, intensifying the competition and making his defense of the title more challenging. With five victories so far this season, Scheffler’s momentum and status as the Scottie Scheffler FedExCup favorite position him strongly to aim for a historic sixth win coming into the playoff finale.

Background and Significance of the FedExCup Playoffs at East Lake

Since 2007, East Lake Golf Club has hosted the 30 highest-ranked players in FedExCup points for the concluding playoff event. This year marks the fourth consecutive season where Scheffler enters as the player with the best points total and highest expectations. Historically, no golfer has successfully defended the FedExCup championship, nor has anyone won the TOUR Championship consecutively over the 72-hole event. These factors put Scheffler in a prestigious position, with the opportunity to set new records and continue his dominant streak.

Scheffler’s Impressive Run and Comparison to Golf Legends

During the 2025 season, Scheffler clinched his fifth victory at the BMW Championship, marking back-to-back years with five or more wins. In the past four decades, only Tiger Woods has matched or exceeded this achievement, accomplishing it six times. Since March’s THE PLAYERS Championship, Scheffler has consistently placed in the top eight over 13 consecutive tournaments, tying a record set by Tom Weiskopf in 1973. His collection of five wins, which includes two major titles, and fifteen top-10 finishes is unmatched on the PGA TOUR this year, presenting a formidable challenge to the other competitors aiming for the $10 million FedExCup bonus.

Rory McIlroy and Other Key Competitors at the Championship

Rory McIlroy, currently second in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and FedExCup points, is positioned as a strong contender behind Scheffler. With odds at +800 at FanDuel Sportsbook, McIlroy is returning to East Lake, a course where he has won three times and frequently posted top-10 finishes, including in the past three seasons. His recent return to form following the BMW Championship sets him up well to compete for the title without the handicap of Starting Strokes this year.

Following Scheffler and McIlroy is Ludvig Åberg, who brings impressive off-the-tee statistics, ranking 10th in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and 22nd in Driving Distance for 2025. Åberg recently secured a T7 finish at the BMW Championship, fueling his pursuit of FedExCup glory in only his second attempt. Likewise, Tommy Fleetwood has demonstrated strong consistency with two top-five finishes at the recent BMW and a high rank in fairways hit, greens in regulation, and total putts, all indicating readiness to contend for the title.

Additional Players to Watch at East Lake

Justin Thomas, currently facing a challenging stretch with four consecutive finishes outside the top 20, could find a resurgence at East Lake where he has historically performed well, including a T7 or better in his first seven TOUR Championship appearances. Thomas boasts a career scoring average of 67.81 at this event and has posted numerous top-five finishes, making him a potential threat this week.

Patrick Cantlay, the 2021 FedExCup champion, begins the tournament without a win since the 2022 BMW Championship. Despite a relatively modest season with just four top-10 finishes in 18 starts, he remains a player to consider, having won the FedExCup when entering off a BMW victory and leading in seed points. His recent results, like T30 at the BMW Championship and T9 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, suggest he hopes to regain form during this event.

J.J. Spaun, fresh off securing the U.S. Open title, comes to East Lake in excellent form and experience, supported by his Ryder Cup selection. His iron play ranks him sixth in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green for 2025, and he has consistently been competitive, posting strong finishes following his major victory. Spaun will look to make a significant impact in his East Lake debut, adding to an already career-best season.

Russell Henley, a Georgia native, is also among the contenders. Known for rounds in the 60s, including a 62 during the 2024 TOUR Championship which was the week’s lowest score, Henley aims for his first multiple-win season on the PGA TOUR. His strengths lie in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green categories, fairway accuracy, and proximity to the hole, although a hot putter could be pivotal for him to claim a FedExCup Playoffs title.

Robert MacIntyre, who led the BMW Championship after the first three rounds alongside Scheffler, seeks to convert close calls into a win this week. With a recent solo second place at the U.S. Open and continued strong performances in major events, MacIntyre provides additional competition among the leading figures chasing Scheffler’s FedExCup dominance.

Odds and Field Overview for the TOUR Championship

Beyond the top favorites, the field includes numerous capable players with varying odds. Justin Rose, winner of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, highlights the group of players with +6000 odds alongside promising contenders such as Viktor Hovland, Cameron Young, and Sam Burns (+3000), Ben Griffin (+3500), and Hideki Matsuyama (+4000). Other notable participants include Sepp Straka, Harris English, and Keegan Bradley, who brings Ryder Cup experience to the tournament.

These players face the challenge of overcoming Scheffler’s recent dominance and adjusting to the absence of Starting Strokes, which places all participants on equal footing. The competition is fierce for the $10 million FedExCup prize, with the field’s mix of established champions and rising stars promising an intense battle over four rounds.

Watching the FedExCup Finale and Prize Details

The TOUR Championship takes place at East Lake, the traditional host venue since the inception of the FedExCup Playoffs format in 2007. Golf fans can follow the event closely, where the purse includes a substantial $10 million bonus for the FedExCup winner. This finale represents the culmination of the FedExCup season, drawing the best 30 players who have accumulated points over the PGA TOUR schedule in pursuit of the title.

With Scheffler defending his crown amidst a tightly packed leaderboard, each stroke gains added significance as the tournament unfolds. The removal of the Starting Strokes format reinforces the challenge, making this year’s TOUR Championship a true test of consistency, skill, and nerve.

Implications of Scheffler’s Attempt for a Sixth Win at TOUR Championship

Scottie Scheffler’s pursuit of a sixth victory in 2025 continues to captivate the golf world, with his place as the clear FedExCup favorite sparking high anticipation. Should he succeed, he would join an elite group alongside Tiger Woods by securing multiple seasons with five or more wins. His consistent excellence, particularly in major championships and FedExCup playoffs events, sets a new benchmark on the PGA TOUR.

The historical context is significant, as no player has ever successfully defended the FedExCup nor won the TOUR Championship in consecutive seasons, leaving the door open for Scheffler to rewrite the record books. His ongoing dominance places pressure on renowned competitors like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and rising talents such as Ludvig Åberg and J.J. Spaun to mount a successful challenge.

This week’s event not only determines one of golf’s most prestigious prizes, but it also shapes players’ legacies and the narrative of the season’s closing chapter. With a vast share of prize money and ranking points at stake, the intensity of competition at East Lake reflects the highest level of professional golf.