Tour Championship Tournament History | From 1987 Money List Showdown to FedExCup Finale

Tour Championship Tournament History: The Tour Championship debuted in 1987 as the season-ending showcase for the top 30 money winners on the PGA Tour. Initially staged at various venues—such as Oak Hills, Harbour Town, and Pebble Beach—it represented the grand finale of a season defined by earnings, with no cut and rich fields earning points through November.

Tour Championship Tournament History: Money List Format (1987–2006)

From 1987 through 2006, qualification was simple yet prestigious: finish in the top 30 on the money list, and you earned a ticket to the Tour Championship. Winners during this era, starting with Tom Watson and including legends like Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen, secured a three-year exemption on tour, underscoring the event’s elite status.

Transition to FedExCup Playoffs (2007–2018)

In 2007, the Tour Championship transformed into the climax of the newly introduced FedExCup Playoffs. No longer solely based on earnings, the field became the top 30 in FedExCup standings after a series of three playoff events, cementing the Championship as a dramatic season conclusion.

Course Permanence and Course Redesign (2004–2016)

While alternating with Champions Golf Club in Houston through 2003, East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta took permanent residency in 2004. In 2016, a major redesign reversed the front and back nines at East Lake—shifting the finish to a par-5 rather than a par-3—to invite more drama and volatility on the final hole.

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Staggered Starts & “Starting Strokes” (2019–2024)

In 2019, the Tour Championship introduced a unique format: players began with “starting strokes” based on their FedExCup rankings—leaders started at −10, second at −8, and so on—to ensure that the tournament champion always equaled the FedExCup champion.

Return to Straight Stroke Play (2025–present)

Ahead of the 2025 tournament, the PGA Tour announced it would eliminate the staggered starts. Now all 30 players begin at even par, restoring the traditional 72-hole stroke-play format. This decision reflects feedback from fans and players seeking clarity and fairness, while East Lake will return tougher course setups to maintain playoff drama.

Legacy, Legends & Looking Ahead

Over nearly four decades, the Tour Championship has crowned winners like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler—the current titleholder as of May 2025. Its evolution—from a money-list reward to a playoff showdown and back to pure stroke play—speaks to its adaptability and enduring appeal.

The Final Round of the PGA Tour Season

From its debut as a straightforward money-race decider to its FedExCup centerpiece role, the Tour Championship stands as golf’s ultimate season finale. With its pure stroke-play return, the 2025 edition promises fresh excitement at East Lake.

Be part of golf’s grand finale this August—cheer on the world’s best as they battle for the Tour Championship and the coveted FedExCup crown.

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