The 2020 FedEx Cup Playoffs represented the 14th installment of this significant postseason series in professional golf, which began in 2007. This playoff structure is designed to culminate the PGA Tour season, with players competing across a series of events to determine the FedEx Cup champion. The 2020 playoffs comprised three distinct tournaments, each playing a crucial role in narrowing the field and ultimately crowning a winner. Understanding
the sequence and importance of these events is key to appreciating the competitive nature of the FedEx Cup.
The Playoff Structure and Venues
The 2020 FedEx Cup Playoffs were structured around three main events. The series kicked off with The Northern Trust, held from August 20–23 at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. This initial event was critical as it featured a larger field that would then be reduced for subsequent tournaments. Following The Northern Trust, the competition moved to the BMW Championship, which took place at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois. The final and culminating event was the Tour Championship, hosted at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Each venue provided a unique challenge for the world's top golfers.
The Northern Trust: Kicking Off the Playoffs
As the first playoff event, The Northern Trust played a pivotal role in the 2020 series. It began with 125 eligible players, though two, Vaughn Taylor and Brooks Koepka, withdrew due to injuries, reducing the starting field to 123. The tournament saw remarkable performances, including Scottie Scheffler's second-round 59, making him one of only a handful of players to achieve such a low score on the PGA Tour. Dustin Johnson led after two rounds with a 60, ultimately winning the event. His victory at TPC Boston not only secured the tournament title but also positioned him strongly in the overall FedEx Cup standings, setting the tone for the rest of the playoffs.
Advancing Through the Playoffs
The FedEx Cup Playoffs operate on a system of points, with distributions determining which players advance from one event to the next. The Northern Trust, as the first event, was crucial for players to earn enough points to qualify for the BMW Championship. Similarly, performance in the BMW Championship dictated who would move on to the Tour Championship. This progressive elimination format ensures that only the most consistent and high-performing players reach the final stage. The intensity of competition increases with each event, as the stakes for the overall FedEx Cup title grow higher.
The Legacy of the FedEx Cup Playoffs
The 2020 FedEx Cup Playoffs marked the 14th year of this championship format, which has become a cornerstone of the PGA Tour season. Since its inception in 2007, the playoffs have provided a dramatic conclusion to the golf calendar, offering significant prize money and the prestigious FedEx Cup trophy. The series highlights the consistent excellence required to compete at the highest level, with players needing to perform well not just in individual tournaments but across the entire playoff stretch to claim the ultimate title.
