Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 (Photo by Richard Heathcote/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, provides his insights. In this installment, Remainder of 2024 PGA TOUR Schedule; Q-School Breakdown; LPGA TOTO Japan Classic.
Chasing the Cut Liine: Remainder of FedEx Fall Series...Q-School Finals Looms...Year-End Fun Events
With the PGA TOUR off this week, it's an excellent time to catch up on some news and notes from the FedEx Fall Series, who's in and who's out of that coveted 125 mark, some Q-School updates, and what's on the horizon as we close in on the end of the 2024 year.
The only thing that matters on the PGA TOUR as November looms is where players stand in terms of the top 125 in FedEx Cup points. Players at 125 and better will retain membership for the 2025 season, and players from 126 to 150 will have conditional status. See full rankings here.
With only three events left in 2024, players on this list must make moves to avoid having to find other means, be it through Q-School or even Monday qualifying or sponsors exemptions, to get starts come 2025.
What's Left on the 2025 PGA TOUR Schedule?
For those players listed above, the real events that matter for the remainder of the year are the three remaining FedEx Fall Series events, which include:
NOV 7 - 10
- World Wide Technology Championship
- El Cardonal at Diamante
- Los Cabos, Mexico
NOV 14 - 17
- Butterfield Bermuda Championship
- Port Royal Golf Course
- Southampton, Bermuda
NOV 21 - 24
- The RSM Classic
- Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside Course)
- St. Simons Island, GA • USA
What was known back in my day as the "Silly Season" and included events such as the Skins Game will play out in December and wrap up the PGA TOUR year. Some of these events, such as Tiger Woods Hero World Challenge, carry some weight, including OWGR points.
These December events include the following:
DEC 5 - 8
- Hero World Challenge
- Albany GC
- Albany, Bahamas
DEC 13 - 15
- Grant Thornton Invitational
- Tiburón Golf Club
- Naples, FL
(Event with the LPGA TOUR)
DEC 20 - 22
- PNC Championship
- Ritz-Carlton GC
- Orlando, FL
(Event with the PGA TOUR Champions)
Q-School News and Notes
The PGA TOUR Q-School, presented by Korn Ferry, will hold its Final Stage from December 12 to 15 at TPC Sawgrass on the Dye's Valley Course.
PGA TOUR Q-School is more than just a series of tournaments; it's a rigorous journey designed to identify and foster talent, ensuring that only the most dedicated and skilled players make it to the PGA TOUR or any one of its affiliate Tours such as the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR Americas.
Q-School consists of multiple stages of 72-hole stroke play tournaments. Players begin in either the Pre-Qualifying or First Stage, depending on their eligibility and past performances. Strong performance in each Stage is crucial, as only the top players advance to the subsequent stages.
The challenge intensifies as players move through the "Stages," with each phase weeding out contenders until only the elite emerge. Performing well across these stages is vital, as it culminates in the Final Stage, where the stakes are highest.
The Final Stage offers significant opportunities. Top performers earn a direct route to status and ranking on the PGA TOUR or its affiliates. The final Stage represents a critical career milestone, testing skill, perseverance, and competitive maturity.
DP World Tour Off Week...LPGA Tour in Japan For TOTO Japan Classic
The DP World Tour is taking a break this week while the ladies of the LPGA Tour compete in Japan for the TOTO Japan Classic. Be sure to tune in this Friday for my "Friday Fore-Cast" series, where I will provide a breakdown of what's ahead for the remainder of the DP World Tour season, including the playoffs and Q-School, along with an early preview of the action in Japan for the LPGA TOTO Classic.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
