Collin Morikawa has been discussing the current FedEx Cup format as the PGA Tour playoffs get underway at the St Jude Championship.
World number one Scottie Scheffler angered golf fans after suggesting the current FedEx Cup format isn’t representative of a season-long race. Scheffler appeared to be frustrated that his stunning 2024 won’t be adequately rewarded at East Lake.
Rory McIlroy disagreed with Scheffler’s comments when he was asked about the end-of-season finale, and now Morikawa has been asked to share his thoughts.
Collin Morikawa backs current PGA Tour playoff rules
Speaking before this week’s St Jude Championship, Morikawa admitted it’s an issue he’s gone back and forth on.
“I have gone back and forth about this,” said the world number six. “The simple answer is yes. I think with any sport, playoffs are playoffs. And a lot of the time, the best teams don’t win.”
“What is crazy about our sport is that there is so much fluctuation and variables that you don’t know how someone is going to play. The best player in the world could have a bad week, and you’re like, that week matters more. We have four majors, the play offs, the Players, those weeks matter more. But sometimes people have bad weeks.”
The 27-year-old went on to suggest the best player must perform at the Tour Championship, irrespective of the season-long race.
“So that’s kind of what our playoffs are,” Morikawa added. “I don’t think there is a perfect system. Guys can complain oh this and that. But if you are the best and want to show up, you have to show up, especially at the Tour Championship.
“That’s just how things work. There’s a lot on the line, but that’s what makes our sport so tough. It’s not like you are better than every single person every single week. Anyone out of the 70 guys this week could come out and win. That’s what makes it so great and so tough to crown a title.”
How the PGA Tour could alter the FedEx Cup playoffs
Scheffler’s issue with the current system seems to centre around the fact that he hasn’t been rewarded properly for his season up to this point.
The solution, therefore, is simple.
The PGA Tour should incrementally increase the starting score the FedEx Cup leader is given at East Lake. Scheffler’s lead, at the moment, is significant. Therefore, he should be given more than a two-shot lead.
Given Scheffler’s six PGA Tour wins, perhaps giving him a six or seven-shot lead would fully reward his stunning 2024. If the world number one’s lead were slim, he would start level with second place or one or two shots ahead.
Right now, given he will be given a slender lead, Scheffler’s concerns do feel justified.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
