The Open Championship, one of golf’s prestigious events, is about to commence as the world’s best golfers gather this week to vie for the coveted Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool. While all eyes are on this major tournament, it’s important not to forget about the upcoming FedEx Cup playoffs that will follow. With only two tournaments remaining on the 2023 PGA Tour schedule before the playoffs begin, let’s take a closer look at the current FedEx Cup bubble.
Last Five In: Players Ranked 66th to 70th
Leading the pack of players firmly on the bubble is Ben Griffin from the United States, currently standing at 66th place with 577 FedEx Cup points. Griffin’s commendable performance at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he tied for 25th, earned him valuable FedEx Cup points and ensured his position in the Top 70. Making his Open Championship debut this week following a tie for 14th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Griffin looks to maintain his standing.
Sam Ryder, on the other hand, faces a more precarious situation. The American golfer sits at 67th place after missing the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open. With two events left, Ryder needs a strong performance to secure his spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
JJ Spaun has been struggling in recent weeks, encountering a downturn since missing the cut at the PGA Championship. Despite earning 20 FedEx Cup points at the Travelers Championship and the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Spaun finds himself in 68th place. Although not making it to The Open Championship, Spaun will compete in the Barracuda Championship this week, hoping to turn things around.
K.H. Lee of South Korea holds the 69th spot, but his recent performances have seen him miss four consecutive cuts. Showing promise earlier this season with a tie for eighth at the Wells Fargo Championship, Lee seeks to regain his form at The Open Championship.
Davis Thompson, ranked 70th, is just hanging on as he depends on his earlier solo second place finish at The American Express to secure his playoff position. Taking some time off before the 3M Open and Wyndham Championship, the former Georgia Bulldog aims to maintain his standings during the critical upcoming weeks.
Needs Help: Players Ranked 71st to 75th
David Lingmerth made a significant leap from 95th to 71st place in the FedEx Cup standings following an unexpected tie for third at the Scottish Open. Previously struggling with missed cuts in six consecutive events, Lingmerth needs to continue his strong showing to secure his spot in Memphis.
Shane Lowry, the 2019 Champion Golfer of the Year, is trending upward after his tie for 12th at the Scottish Open. With a game fit for the grand stage, Lowry aspires to claim another Claret Jug this week to strengthen his chances of making it to the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Beau Hossler, a former University of Texas player, has had a mixed season, most recently tying for 26th at the John Deere Classic. Inconsistent performances in recent weeks have created uncertainty for his FedEx Cup playoff aspirations, making this week’s Barracuda Championship a crucial event for Hossler to secure his place in Memphis.
Lee Hodges, hailing from Alabama, impressed with a tie for 12th at the Scottish Open. Having also performed well at the Memorial Tournament, Hodges will make his Open Championship debut this week, hoping to keep the momentum going and boost his chances of advancing to the playoffs.
Former world number one, Justin Thomas, continues to face challenges this season. Although not meeting his own high standards, Thomas is ranked 75th and seeks redemption at Royal Liverpool. A strong showing could salvage his playoff aspirations, but a poor performance may put his chances in serious jeopardy.
As the FedEx Cup playoffs fast approach, these players on and near the bubble have a narrow window to solidify their positions. Their fate will be shaped not only by their performance at The Open Championship but also by their resilience and determination at the remaining tournaments. The upcoming weeks will reveal who secures their place in the FedEx Cup playoffs and who must regroup for next season.
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