The Northern Trust tournament holds a significant position as the inaugural playoff event of the FedEx Cup. In 2020, this crucial golf competition took place from August 20–23 at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. As the first of three playoff events, it set the stage for the culmination of the PGA Tour season, drawing a field of top-ranked players vying for advancement in the FedEx Cup standings. The tournament's structure and the performances
within it were critical for many golfers' postseason aspirations.
Field and Withdrawals
Initially, 125 players were eligible to participate in The Northern Trust. However, two notable withdrawals reduced the field to 123 competitors. Vaughn Taylor, ranked 75th, was unable to play due to a rib injury. Similarly, Brooks Koepka, who was ranked 97th, withdrew from the event, citing knee and hip injuries. These absences meant that the remaining eligible players had an even more competitive landscape as they began their quest through the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The tournament's location at TPC Boston, a private golf club in the Greater Boston area, provided a challenging course for the elite field.
Early Rounds and Record-Breaking Performance
The early rounds of The Northern Trust in 2020 featured some remarkable golf. Scottie Scheffler delivered a standout performance in his second round, achieving a score of 59. This exceptional feat made him only the 11th player in PGA Tour history to score under 60 in an event. His impressive play positioned him strongly in the tournament. Following the second round, Dustin Johnson emerged as the leader, having carded a 60 in his second round. Johnson's strong showing placed him two strokes ahead of both Scheffler and Cameron Davis, setting up an exciting contest for the remainder of the tournament.
The Cut and Tournament Progression
After the second round, a cut was implemented, with 70 players successfully making it through. The cut line was set at 139, which was three strokes under par. This ensured that only the top performers continued to compete for the championship. The progression of the tournament saw players battling not only for the event title but also for crucial FedEx Cup points, which determine eligibility for the subsequent playoff events. The Northern Trust is one of three playoff events, alongside the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship, each held at distinct venues.
Dustin Johnson's Victory and FedEx Cup Context
Dustin Johnson ultimately won The Northern Trust in 2020. His victory was a significant achievement, not only securing the tournament title but also providing a substantial boost to his standing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. This win marked the first playoff event of the 2020 FedEx Cup, which was the 14th iteration of the playoffs since their establishment in 2007. The point distributions for the FedEx Cup are a critical component of the playoff system, determining which players advance through each stage. Johnson's triumph at TPC Boston positioned him favorably for the remainder of the playoff series, which continued at Olympia Fields Country Club for the BMW Championship and concluded at East Lake Golf Club for the Tour Championship.
