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, It All Comes Down to This: PGA TOUR FedEx Fall Final, LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship.
PGA TOUR: RSM Classic: The Last Dance of the FedEx Fall
As we gear up for this week's RSM Classic, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the golfing calendar. Sea Island Resort plays host to the final event of the FedEx Fall, providing one last opportunity for players to secure their spot inside the top 125—or to vie for early entry into next year's signature events via the Aon Next 10.
Bubble Boys: The Final Push
For many players hovering around the 125th spot in the standings, this event is about more than just prize money; it's about securing their future on the PGA TOUR. Several players are either just inside or barely outside this critical threshold, making every stroke at Sea Island crucial.
Wesley Bryan sits at that all-important 125 spot and could not have picked a better time to go on a run. Bryan hasn't missed a cut in his last five starts and has four top-25 finishes during that stretch. Among those just inside the cutline are two of my favorites; Joel Dahmen, at the 124 mark, finds himself just two points ahead of Bryan, and Sam Ryder, who finished T5 last week, jumped 13 spots, from 135 to 122. Both need strong performances to maintain their standing.
Two players to watch who were inside the top 125 going into last week but slipped outside the magic number include Daniel Berger, who dropped from 124 to 127, and Hayden Springer, who fell from 125 to 128.
The tension must be off the charts for these "bubble boys," who must play exceptionally well to solidify their standings or break into that elusive top 125. This final push at the RSM Classic will significantly shape the 2025 season for these players, determining whether they will have a smooth path to success in the new year or face more challenges ahead.
Ludvig Aberg: Back in the Limelight
Ludvig Aberg returns to the spotlight this week as he tees it up in Sea Island. Aberg, a rising star on the tour, wants to build on his early career successes, and fans and analysts are eager to see how this week plays out for him. His presence on the course this week will surely add another exciting storyline to what will already be a wild week.
Rafael Campos: Riding the Wave
Adding to the excitement, last week's winner, Rafael Campos, the pride of Purto Rican golf, arrives at Sea Island with significant momentum. Campos's victory in Bermuda boosted his confidence and positioned him as a formidable contender this week at the FedEx Fall final. Will Campos be the one to make a strong showing at the RSM Classic? His recent success makes him a player to watch, as first victories often open the door for more.
The Courses at Sea Island Resort
Sea Island Resort, renowned for its stunning courses, is ready to challenge this week. The action will unfold on two distinct courses: the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course. Both tracks are known for their picturesque backdrops and challenging layouts; to be successful, these courses require the right strategy, superior shot-making, and deaf touch on and around the greens.
Final Thoughts
As the final notes are played at the RSM Classic, all attention will be focused on who rises to the occasion—whether it's a seasoned player securing their spot in the top 125 or a newcomer making a name for themselves through the Aon Next 10. Sea Island is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in the PGA TOUR season.
LPGA Tour: Previewing the CME Group Tour Championship
As the LPGA season prepares to wrap, our attention turns to this week's CME Group Tour Championship. The Race to the CME Globe all comes down to this week in Naples. Let's dive into some of the top storylines for this pivotal week.
Nelly Korda: In Prime Condition
Nelly Korda arrives at the CME Group Tour Championship with notable momentum and confidence. The 2024 season has been remarkable for Korda, making her a favorite heading into this week. Last week's win at the ANNIKA was not needed to prove Korda is the best in the women's game, but capturing her seventh victory of the year there certainly didn't hurt. If Korda wins this week, it would not be a shock to the world of golf; her not performing well would be.
A Competitive Field Awaits
This year's CME Group Tour Championship field includes the top 60 performers from the Race to the CME Globe. With a season full of intense battles, the ladies of the LPGA Tour have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and grit. Fans can expect much of the same when play gets going on Thursday, capping off the year in style. Players to watch this week include Lydia Ko, Ruoning Yin, and Hannah Green.
Course Dynamics and Challenges
The Stakes: More Than Just a Trophy
The CME Group Tour Championship is not just any tournament—it boasts one of the largest purses in women's golf. The stakes are incredibly high, with a $5 million prize fund and $2 million going to the winner. This financial incentive will undoubtedly amplify the competitive atmosphere as players vie not only for prestige but also for a substantial reward.
Well Worth Tuning In
This week, the season's fiercest competitors have gathered, and fans are eager to see if Korda can hold her ground against a talented field of stars aiming to make their mark. The CME Group Tour Championship, as the final event of the 2024 LPGA season, represents the culmination of a year filled with intense competition and sets the tone for the upcoming 2025 season. All eyes will be on Tiburón Golf Club as the best players in the LPGA strive to seize this opportunity and claim the ultimate prize in women's golf.
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.
