The 2026 FedEx Cup Playoffs are wrapping up this week in Atlanta at East Lake Golf Club, and let me tell you, the stakes are absolutely bonkers. We’re talking a massive $10 million winner’s share on the line for whoever stands atop that leaderboard, and unlike last year with Scottie Scheffler as the runaway, there isn’t a single heavy favorite walking into this Tour Championship. It’s wide open, people, and that’s exactly what makes it must-watch golf!
The Chasing Pack and Big Time Milestones
As Round 1 tee times kick off Thursday, we’ve got some absolute titans aiming for history. Scottie Scheffler is gunning to become only the third multi-time FedEx Cup champion, putting him in the same breath as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Think about that for a second! He’s also eyeing his third win of the season and could snag another PGA Tour Player of the Year award. Then there’s Rory McIlroy, whose up-and-down season has continued in the Playoffs, but he could claim a record fourth crown this week. Can you imagine the drama if he pulls that off after such a roller-coaster year? Matt Fitzpatrick, Chris Gotterup, and Wyndham Clark are right there too, each with three wins this season, all battling Scheffler for that year-end honor. Any one of them could break the tie and stand as the most successful player of 2026. Oh, and keep an eye on Tommy Fleetwood. He’s had a winless regular season, but if he pulls off the Tour Championship win, he’d be the first to go back-to-back. Talk about a comeback story!
The Picks Are In: Cantlay, Scott, and Serious Cash
CBS Sports expert Patrick McDonald isn’t messing around with his predictions. His pick for the winner? Patrick Cantlay at 16-1. Now, get this: Cantlay, the 2021 FedEx Cup champion, hasn’t won a tournament in over four years! But McDonald thinks his game is peaking at the *perfect* moment. Over the last three months, Cantlay ranks third in this stacked field in strokes gained tee to green and second in iron play. The big question, though, is if his putter shows up when it matters most. For a sleeper, McDonald likes Adam Scott at 44-1. Scott missed the postseason completely in 2025, so for him to be in the Tour Championship mix now? That’s a serious bounce back. And let’s not forget the money for everyone else: second place bags a cool $5 million, and even eighth place takes home over $1 million.
This week is going to be wild, with every single shot meaning something. Can Cantlay shock the world, or will one of the multiple three-time winners separate themselves? Make sure you catch the final rounds through Sunday, because someone’s walking away with life-changing money and a major title!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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