The FedEx Cup playoffs are underway, and Shane Lowry has been discussing whether the current PGA Tour format is suitable moving forward.
World number one Scottie Scheffler angered fans after suggesting the current system is “silly” and unrewarding of his efforts in 2024.
Rory McIlroy disagreed with Scheffler’s comments. The three-time FedEx Cup champion insisted he loves the excitement level of the playoffs as the winner isn’t a foregone conclusion before the Tour Championship.
Lowry is now the latest player to have his say.
Shane Lowry agrees with Rory McIlroy’s FedEx Cup comments
Speaking during his pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday, Lowry claimed the ‘playoff’ system is a staple of US sports, and it’s something he’s never contemplated changing.
“I suppose I’ve never really thought about it. It is what it is. That’s the format we play. I never really — I’m not in the business of trying to tell the PGA TOUR what to do,” Lowry said.
“I think they’ve got people to do that, make the decisions there. Yes, look, there’s no doubt about it. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have had the best years of anyone, and they’re by far ahead of everybody else. But they only start a couple of shots ahead of people this week. But that’s the playoffs.”
Lowry added: “That’s American sports. I think if you look at every American sport, you play the season — you play for the regular season, and then you go into the Playoffs, and everyone starts at a level playing field again. I think that’s just — that’s the industry we’re in.”
FedEx Cup playoffs must remain despite Scottie Scheffler’s concern
The FedEx Cup playoffs must remain untouched despite Scheffler’s concern. The PGA Tour – more than ever – needs to provide excitement right till the last putt of the season.
By allowing the playoffs to be a fairly open race, the player who just made the top 70 stands a chance of winning golf’s most lucrative prize.
Scheffler’s concerns, of course, are justified. But the world number one should turn up and perform as he has done throughout the season if he doesn’t want to miss out at East Lake.
The best players turn up in the clutch moments. It’s what McIlroy has done, and Tiger Woods made it a freakishly regular occurrence.
Scheffler, on the other hand, needs to accept the format and perform as he has done in the past eight months.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
