The FedEx Cup has been a staple in the world of golf since its inception in 2007. It has been a source of excitement and anticipation for both players and fans alike. However, with the recent changes to the format, the drawbacks of the new system have been exposed by top players like Rory McIlroy and Sepp Straka. Their actions have sparked a heated discussion about the effectiveness of the new format and its impact on the players.
The first playoff event, The Northern Trust, saw the absence of Rory McIlroy, who intentionally skipped the tournament. This decision raised eyebrows and sparked a debate about the new format. McIlroy, who is currently ranked number one in the FedEx Cup standings, stated that playing in The Northern Trust would not have affected his position in the standings. This raises the question, why play in a tournament that has no bearing on your position in the playoffs?
The answer lies in the new format of the FedEx Cup. Under the new system, players are awarded points based on their performance in the regular season. These points are then reset for the playoffs, with the top 125 players qualifying for The Northern Trust. However, with the points reset, players who have performed well in the regular season are not guaranteed a spot in the later playoff events. This has led to a lack of motivation for top players like McIlroy, who feel that their regular season performance should be rewarded with a guaranteed spot in the later playoff events.
Another player who has expressed his disapproval of the new format is Sepp Straka. The Austrian, who is currently ranked 76th in the standings, has decided not to join the field at Caves Valley for the BMW Championship. Straka cited a family emergency as the reason for his absence, but many believe that his decision is also influenced by the new format. With the points reset, Straka’s position in the standings could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t perform well in the BMW Championship. This puts added pressure on players, and Straka’s decision to skip the event highlights the flaws in the new system.
The criticisms of the new format have not gone unnoticed by the PGA Tour. In a recent press conference, Scottie Scheffler, who is currently ranked 10th in the standings, expressed his concerns about the new format. He stated that the points reset can be demotivating for players who have performed well in the regular season. However, Scheffler also acknowledged that the new format has its benefits, such as creating more drama and excitement for the fans.
The debate about the effectiveness of the new format is ongoing, and it is clear that changes need to be made. The PGA Tour has already announced that they will be reviewing the format and making adjustments for the 2022 season. This decision has been welcomed by players and fans alike, as it shows that the PGA Tour is listening to the concerns of the players and taking action to improve the system.
In conclusion, the drawbacks of the new format of the FedEx Cup have been exposed by top players like Rory McIlroy and Sepp Straka. Their decisions to skip playoff events have sparked a heated discussion about the effectiveness of the new format. However, with the PGA Tour’s announcement to review and make changes, there is hope that the flaws in the system will be addressed. The FedEx Cup is a prestigious tournament, and it is important that the format reflects the hard work and dedication of the players. Let’s hope that the changes made for the 2022 season will create a fair and exciting competition for all involved.
