PGA Tour Championship Returns to Traditional Format with 30 Golfers at Even Par

The 2025 Tour Championship, concluding the FedEx Cup Playoffs, is set to begin at East Lake Golf Club with all 30 golfers starting at even par, a departure from the previous starting-strokes format introduced in 2019. This format had given players like Scottie Scheffler, the current points leader and a dominant player this season with multiple major wins, a head start, but it faced criticism from players and fans despite some, including Rory McIlroy, supporting it. Scheffler, who has earned $23 million in bonuses this year, is aiming to cap off his impressive season with another victory at the event, which features a $40 million bonus pool including $10 million for the winner. The shift back to a traditional 72-hole tournament format aims to reward performance within the event itself rather than starting advantages. Meanwhile, historical context highlights the significance of PGA Tour achievements, from the longest putts made during official tracking since 2003 to records held by past champions. These elements underscore the competitive and evolving nature of professional golf as the 2025 season nears its climax.