ATLANTA -- Only one day left in the longest season for the PGA Tour. This "super season" included 50 events and six major championships. COVID-19 concerns were also addressed. There was even a bit of parity.
After all that, it is now down to just two players at East Lake and 18 holes at Tour Championship -- Patrick Cantlay or Jon Rahm. Justin Thomas still has the chance to comment on that matter, even though he made a last-hole bogey that really hurt. He will need to play a very low round to make an impact on the FedEx Cup final standings.
This is a look at the major events that will be taking place on the last day of the Tour Championship.
The difference is $10 Million
This is exactly what Cantlay & Rahm will be competing for on Sunday. The FedEx Cup winner receives $15 million. The $5 million awarded to the runner-up is $15 million. It's a significant difference, and it gives plenty of reasons to feel under pressure. Thomas was 5 back, and Cantlay's 67 in the third round increased his lead over Rahm by 2 shots.
Talk about more cash
It's no surprise that the Tour Championship is so important. It guarantees you a place in the next year's Masters and U.S. Open. In addition, it also means that you will make a lot of money. This is where $46 million, or $60 million, of FedEx bonus money will be at stake. Third place receives $395,000.
The winner will receive $15 million, and the second place finisher will get $5 million. In the top five, the payouts are $2.5 million, $3 million, and $4 million. $830,000 goes to the 10th place finisher.
The other title in the line
Sunday's final round could have an impact on the PGA Tour's player-of-the-year voting. Cantlay is the only winner of three tournaments this year. Rahm, however, held a major title at The U.S. Open. Rahm led by six shots at the Memorial before being forced to withdraw due to a positive COVID-19 testing. Rahm also competed at The Open as well as the Northern Trust.
It is also worth considering if Rahm scores a lower 72-hole score that Cantlay. Because of the staggered start, rules for the Tour Championship are somewhat skewed. However, everyone will be able to see who shot the lowest score.
Who had the most amazing week?
This is one downside to the three-year-old Tour Championship format. Every player gets a score relative to par based upon their FedEx Cup points. FedEx leader Cantlay started the week at 10 over. Rahm was fourth in the rankings. The leader can make the tournament a breeze if he shoots under par every day. Rahm would have been leading if this was regular 72-hole stroke play.
Ryder Cup Watch
Steve Stricker, the captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup, has big decisions to make over the next few days. Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports
This is your last chance to impress Steve Stricker, the U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, with his six captain's picks being made on Wednesday.
His top six choices are Collin Morikawa (Bryson DeChambeau), Thomas, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson.
The four next picks are also set with Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau as well as Jordan Spieth, Harris English, and Jordan Spieth.
Two options are left. There are many options: Sam Burns (Sam Burns), Patrick Reed, Sam Burns (Sam Burns), Scottie Scheffler and Jason Kokrak. Webb Simpson, Kevin Na, and Webb Simpson are all possible. Or someone else?
Reed is a fascinating case. He was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago with double pneumonia. He was afraid for his life. The Ryder Cup was the reason he showed up at the Tour Championship.
He said, "I know that I'll be fine at the Ryder Cup." "It's just about getting my strength back.
Is Stricker willing to take that chance? Reed was one of the best U.S. Ryder Cup players during his three appearances, despite a disappointing showing in France. He might be a good pick under normal circumstances. Stricker should be concerned about his health. Reed is getting better every day at the Tour Championship, including Sunday's 66.
What about a Koepka that is injured?
2021 Tour Championship Michael Collins sets you up for the final stop of America's Caddie's FedEx Cup playoffs as well as the Tour Championship. Stream live on ESPN+
After he hit a tree root at East Lake's 10th hole, the four-time major champion withdrew from Saturday's round. Koepka gave it all at the shot. Afterward, his wrist became swollen. He played two more holes and then withdrew. It was because of the same wrist injury that caused him significant problems in 2017-18. If things don't go according to plan, Stricker may want to review his contingency plans regarding Koepka.
What about Morikawa
FedEx Cup playoffs have cost the Open champion a lot of money. He was ranked No. He entered No. 1 in the FedEx Cup, and is tied for 22nd place in the 30-player field. The difference in the top spot from where he is currently is $14.5 million.
Morikawa claimed that he had twisted his back during the Olympics where he narrowly missed out on a bronze medal. Later, he said that he should not have missed the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. He fell to sixth place in the standings after missing the Northern Trust cut. He was at 11th position going into this week.
Morikawa stated that he had fallen into bad habits and was trying to get them out. On Saturday, he did shoot 68.
He said, "I'm going try to keep it simple." I could think about many things but, at the end, everyone is going to just look at our score and how we shot this week. And, of course, I want to put the ball in the hole. It's really that simple.
