Mackenzie Hughes (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
RG's "Wednesday Fairway Focus" is a weekly look at golf's major tours. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, will provide his insights. In this installment, FedExCup Fall Series in Mississippi, DP World Tour Play a Scotland Trifecta.
FedExCup Fall Series in Mississippi
With the President's Cup concluded, the golf world now focuses on two spots: The Country Club of Jackson and the "Big Three" in Scotland: The Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns.
The first stop is the Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi. Although the regular FedExCup season has wrapped for 2024, the FedExCup Fall series is worth tuning into, starting with this week's Sanderson Farms Championship.
Located in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, The Country Club of Jackson is a course that will test every facet of the game this week. Its lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and slick greens make it a perfect stage for PGA TOUR professionals to showcase their game. The layout at the CC of Jackson is designed to challenge every tool in the pros' toolbox, from precision driving to dicy short-game shots, and promises an exciting and demanding week of golf.
A big talking point this year is the presence of Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar. Both have brought their considerable talents and charisma to Jackson, adding an extra layer of excitement this week. Rickie Fowler, making his debut at this event, is a fan favorite everywhere he goes. With his unique blend of daring and precision, Fowler is sure to draw large crowds this week. His participation is not just a treat for fans but also a boost for the tournament.
Another player to watch is Nick Dunlap.
Widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the game, Dunlap's presence at the Sanderson Farms Championship is generating a lot of buzz. Known for his power and precision, he'll be looking to make a significant impact this week.
Maverick McNealy is another name that's catching the attention of analysts and fans. McNealy has shown remarkable consistency and strategic acumen throughout the season. His ability to maintain composure under pressure makes him a strong contender. With his analytical approach and sharp iron play, McNealy could very well find himself in contention come Sunday.
My Pick
I'm going to roll this week with Canadian Mackenzie Hughes. The 2022 Sanderson Farms champion has had a good season, finishing at 52nd in the FedExCup standings. In 23 starts, he had 4 top 10's and 8 top 25's, winning $3,213,408. Sitting in the 5th spot in Strokes Gained Putting and 11th in Scrambling; he has the touch around the greens that often propels a player to be in the mix on Sunday afternoon.
What is the FedExCup Fall Series?
So, what exactly is the PGA TOUR FedExCup Fall series?
Think of it as a second chance for players ranked 51st through 125th in the FedExCup standings. Their goal? Secure their PGA TOUR cards and fight for better positioning for the next season. This series isn't just about holding onto privileges. It's about climbing the ranks and cementing a place in the top-tier events.
For those who sit beyond the top 50 but within striking distance, the FedExCup Fall series is their proving ground. A good performance during this stretch can mean moving into the crucial top 125, ensuring their place on the TOUR, and opportunities to compete in the marquee tournaments that can make or break careers.
What's unique here is the intensity. Each tournament offers valuable points, and every player is gunning to either maintain or improve their status. It's not just the seasoned players feeling the heat. Talented newcomers, who were the highest-ranked non-members, are also in the mix—hungry to make their mark.
The PGA TOUR FedExCup Fall series is more than just an extension of the FedExCup season. It's a battleground where passion and pressure drive golfers to their peak—compelling and defining the future of golf one stroke at a time.
DP World Tour at the Home of Golf
This week, the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship takes center stage on the DP World Tour. The event is renowned for pairing top professionals and high-profile amateurs, creating a unique and celebratory atmosphere. Held across three of Scotland's iconic courses—The Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns—it's a tournament that golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate.
Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick returns with high hopes of becoming only the second player to win back-to-back titles at this event. Last year, he also clinched the Team Championship with his mother, Sue, adding more emotional weight to the occasion. This year, he'll be joined by other golfing families, including Rory McIlroy and his father Gerry and Tyrrell Hatton and his dad Jeff.
The field is stacked with talent, boasting an array of Major Champions.
McIlroy is eager to secure his first Alfred Dunhill Links title after near-misses at the Amgen Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship. He is joined by other Major winners like Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, and Brooks Koepka.
For the Scots, Robert MacIntyre leads the local hopes. Following a stellar year, including a win at the Genesis Scottish Open, MacIntyre aims to end the long wait for a Scottish victor in this tournament, the last being Colin Montgomerie in 2005.
Celebrities from various fields, including Hollywood stars like Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Bill Murray, and musicians like Mike Rutherford, add to the allure this week. This unique blend of professional and amateur competition fosters a week of fun and top-notch golf.
My Pick
I'm going with Jon Rahm this week. Despite losing in a playoff last week, he looks poised to make some noise this week in Scotland. In the team event, I'll be watching Robert MacIntyre and his dad, Dougie, as they look to cap off a memorable year for the pair. Remember, Bob's dad caddied for him in Canada when he won the RBC Canadian Open.
