The largest prize fund in professional golf is at stake this week as the 2024 Tour Championship begins at East Lake Golf Club. With the top 30 players from the PGA Tour vying for their slice of the $100 million FedEx Cup bonus pool -- up $25 million from last year -- competitors will have the chance to see jaw-dropping figures hit their back accounts by week's end.
Signature events and the first two playoff events boasted a total purse of $20 million, which amounts to $5 million less than what this week's eventual winner will take home. Increasing $7 million compared to the last two seasons, the winner's share represents the largest in PGA Tour history and a $10 million increase compared to 2019 -- the first year of the staggered start format.
Scottie Scheffler is the lone man to surpass $25 million in earnings this season as he won the Masters, Players Championship and four signature events -- six of the largest paydays of the year. Xander Schauffele nearly clipped $20 million himself thanks to two major victories, while Hideki Matsuyama, Wyndham Clark and Rory McIlroy round out those to earn more than eight figures in 2024.
The Tour Championship is the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs, with the top 30 players in the standings competing for the biggest prize in golf. The staggered start format means that the top-ranked player starts at 10 under par, with the rest of the field starting at different scores based on their ranking. This creates a dramatic and exciting final round, as players can make significant moves up the leaderboard.
A top-five finish will guarantee players at least a $5 million payday, while those inside the top 12 with all see seven figures next to their names. Everyone in the field will earn at least a half million dollars for qualifying for the Tour Championship.
Tour Championship Payout Breakdown
The winner of the Tour Championship will receive a $25 million bonus, which is a $7 million increase from last year. The payout for the top 30 players is as follows:
| Finish | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1st | $25,000,000 |
| 2nd | $12,500,000 |
| 3rd | $7,500,000 |
| 4th | $6,000,000 |
| 5th | $5,000,000 |
| 6th | $3,500,000 |
| 7th | $2,750,000 |
| 8th | $2,250,000 |
| 9th | $2,000,000 |
| 10th | $1,750,000 |
| 11th | $1,075,000 |
| 12th | $1,025,000 |
| 13th | $975,000 |
| 14th | $925,000 |
| 15th | $885,000 |
| 16th | $795,000 |
| 17th | $775,000 |
| 18th | $755,000 |
| 19th | $735,000 |
| 20th | $715,000 |
| 21st | $670,000 |
| 22nd | $650,000 |
| 23rd | $630,000 |
| 24th | $615,000 |
| 25th | $600,000 |
| 26th | $590,000 |
| 27th | $580,000 |
| 28th | $570,000 |
| 29th | $560,000 |
| 30th | $550,000 |
Who Will Take Home the Big Prize?
Scottie Scheffler is the current favorite to win the Tour Championship, as he is the top-ranked player in the FedEx Cup standings. He started the event at 10 under par, giving him a two-shot advantage over Xander Schauffele. Other contenders include Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Wyndham Clark. The players ranked 26-30 will start at even par, giving them a chance to make a late run for the title.
This year's Tour Championship promises to be an exciting and dramatic event, with a record $100 million prize pool on the line. The winner will not only take home a $25 million bonus, but they will also etch their name into golf history. Be sure to tune in to see who will come out on top.
The $25 Million Question
With such a massive payday on the line, it's no surprise that the players are all focused on winning the Tour Championship. But the real question is, who will be able to handle the pressure and claim the biggest prize in golf? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2024 Tour Championship is going to be a thrilling event to watch.
The 10 Players Who Made the Most Money in 2024
The PGA Tour season is all about the money, and some players are better at making it than others. Here are the top 10 money earners in 2024:
- Scottie Scheffler: $25,197,556
- Xander Schauffele: $19,869,754
- Hideki Matsuyama: $11,365,763
- Wyndham Clark: $10,902,363
- Rory McIlroy: $10,143,380
- Ludvig Aberg: $7,209,621
- Collin Morikawa: $6,608,522
- Sahith Theegala: $5,911,326
- Rory McIlroy: $5,782,983
- Patrick Cantlay: $5,714,402
These 10 players have all had outstanding seasons, and they've shown that they are the best of the best when it comes to making money on the PGA Tour.
The Future of PGA Tour Prize Money
The PGA Tour has seen a significant increase in prize money in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue. The growing popularity of golf and the increased viewership of the sport are contributing factors to this increase. The Tour Championship is a prime example of this trend, with its $100 million prize pool.
The increased prize money is a testament to the PGA Tour's commitment to its players. By offering larger purses, the Tour is able to attract the best golfers in the world and provide them with the opportunity to earn a good living. This commitment is likely to lead to even higher prize money in the years to come.
The Impact of the New FedEx Cup Format
The new FedEx Cup format, with its staggered start, has added a new dimension to the Tour Championship. The format makes for a more exciting and dramatic final round, as players can make significant moves up the leaderboard. This has also helped to increase the viewership of the event, as fans are eager to see who will come out on top.
The new format has also been praised by players, as it gives them a greater chance to win the FedEx Cup. In the past, the FedEx Cup was often won by players who were already in the lead going into the Tour Championship. However, the new format means that any player can win the FedEx Cup, regardless of their starting position.
Overall, the new FedEx Cup format has been a success. It has made the Tour Championship more exciting and dramatic, and it has also helped to increase the viewership of the event.
The Final Word
The 2024 Tour Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling event, with a record $100 million prize pool on the line. The staggered start format ensures that the event will be full of drama and excitement, as players battle for the biggest prize in golf. Be sure to tune in to see who will come out on top.
The 2024 Tour Championship: A Game of Big Money
The Tour Championship is much more than just a golf tournament; it's a game of big money. With a record $100 million prize pool, the event is sure to attract attention from fans and sponsors alike. The players are all motivated to win, as they know that a victory could set them up for a lifetime of financial security. The Tour Championship is a must-watch event for anyone who loves golf. It's a chance to see the best golfers in the world compete for the biggest prize in the game.
