The first FedEx Cup playoff event brings together Scheffler, McIlroy and several of golf's biggest stars, with Koivun facing a unique challenge of his own.
The FedEx Cup Playoffs begin this week at TPC Southwind and one benefit of a smaller postseason field is the sheer density of star power in every group. With only the top 70 players qualifying and the field trimmed to 69 after Daniel Berger's withdrawal, there are no filler pairings in Memphis. Nearly every tee time features a recognizable name,and the schedule makers took full advantage when setting up the first two rounds.
The headline group needs no introduction. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Masters champion Rory McIlroy, two of the best players in the world, are paired together for the opening two rounds and tee off at 8:50 a.m. CT Thursday. It's the marquee group of the entire week, with two of the sport's biggest stars playing alongside each other as Scheffler looks to protect his commanding lead in the FedEx Cup standings.
The most intriguing tee time, though, belongs to a group of one. Berger's withdrawal left the field with an odd number, creating a rare solo pairing for Jackson Koivun. The 21-year-old will tee off alone at 7:10 a.m. CT Thursday, first off the tee for the entire tournament. It's an unusual situation, but one that could help Koivun settle into a rhythm early. Playing alone means no partner to wait on and fewer distractions. He will need that focus because the math is daunting. Koivun reportedly needs at least a two-way tie for seventh this week to give himself a mathematical chance to climb into the top 50 and advance to the BMW Championship in St. Louis. A strong start from the first tee would give him a chance to build the kind of momentum he needs.
Beyond the top two, the featured groups are loaded. Reigning FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood is paired with Jordan Spieth in one of ESPN's Thursday marquee groups, combining Fleetwood's consistency with Spieth's shot-making. Ludvig Åberg and Tom Kim round out the early featured pairings, giving the morning window more star power.
The talent continues across the rest of the tee sheet. Viktor Hovland and Hideki Matsuyama make for a compelling ball-striking pairing. U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark is grouped with Matt Fitzpatrick, who sits second behind Scheffler in the FedEx Cup standings. Xander Schauffele and Sam Burns bring together two more of the game's most consistent performers, while Collin Morikawa is paired with Cameron Young in another group worth watching.
The stakes sharpen the drama. The top 50 advance to St. Louis, while the top 30 ultimately reach the TOUR Championship. Every player in Memphis has something real to play for. The FedEx Cup postseason starts with a loaded tee sheet and the pairings reflect the stakes.
