The short version
- Scottie Scheffler won his second FedEx Cup title with a four-under 66 on the final day at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
- Viktor Hovland and Ryan Gerard finished tied for second, three strokes behind the winner, after both carded rounds of 72.
- Scheffler joins Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy as the only players to have won the season-ending event more than once.
Scottie Scheffler captured his second FedEx Cup title on Sunday, cementing his status at the top of professional golf with a decisive victory at the PGA Tour’s season-ending event in Atlanta. The world number one finished at 16 under par, securing a $10 million prize and adding to his growing list of career achievements. His performance marked his 22nd career win, further distinguishing him among his peers on the tour.
The path to victory was not immediate. Scheffler began the final day three strokes behind overnight leader Viktor Hovland. However, as other contenders struggled to maintain their pace, Scheffler delivered a consistent and precise round of 66. This four-under score was the only round under par among the top pairings, allowing him to close the gap and ultimately take the lead. His ability to find greens consistently provided a significant advantage over rivals who faced more trouble on the course.
Hovland, who had held the overnight lead, saw his momentum stall during the final round. The Norwegian’s driving became erratic, and his putting failed to produce when it mattered most. He finished with a two-over 72, ending the tournament three strokes behind Scheffler in second place. His inability to maintain accuracy off the tee proved costly as he watched the leader close in.
American debutant Ryan Gerard also struggled on the final day, matching Hovland’s score of 72. Starting one stroke behind Hovland, Gerard finished tied for second at 12 under par overall. His performance marked a strong showing for a newcomer to the event, but he could not overcome the deficit created by Scheffler’s surge. Both players found themselves in similar positions as they concluded their rounds.
Rory McIlroy, a three-time FedEx Cup winner, was unable to replicate the form that had propelled him into contention on Saturday. His final round of 69 was inconsistent, featuring four birdies and an eagle but also five bogeys. This topsy-turvy performance left him tied for fourth at 11 under par. Despite his past success in this event, McIlroy could not find the rhythm needed to challenge for the title.
Alex Fitzpatrick provided one of the brighter performances among those chasing the leader. The Englishman matched Scheffler’s round of 66, the lowest score of the day, to move up the leaderboard. He finished tied for fourth at 11 under par. This result capped a remarkable season for Fitzpatrick, who had previously won his first DP World Tour event at the Indian Open and partnered with his brother Matt to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Other notable finishes included Justin Rose, who recorded a hole-in-one on the ninth hole but failed to build momentum from that highlight. He finished at seven under par. Tommy Fleetwood, the defending champion, started too far off the pace to make a serious challenge. His three-under 67 was not enough to trouble Scheffler, and he ended the day tied for 11th at 10 under par.
Scheffler’s victory places him in exclusive company. He joins Tiger Woods, who won in 2007 and 2009, and Rory McIlroy, with titles in 2016, 2019, and 2022, as the only players to have won the FedEx Cup multiple times. The win underscores Scheffler’s dominance in recent seasons and his ability to perform under pressure at the end of a long tour year.
The tournament highlighted the difficulty of maintaining form over four days. While Scheffler remained steady, others faltered when it mattered most. Hovland’s driving issues and McIlroy’s inconsistency were key factors in their inability to win. The event served as a clear demonstration of Scheffler’s current standing as the premier player on the PGA Tour.
Looking ahead, Scheffler’s second title reinforces his position at world number one. The financial reward and prestige of the FedEx Cup add to his legacy. For other players, the results will serve as a benchmark for their seasons. The tour now turns its attention to the off-season, with Scheffler having secured the most significant prize on the annual calendar.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗World number one Scheffler claims second Fedex Cup title