5 winners (besides Scottie Scheffler) from PGA Tour’s playoffs

Scottie Scheffler cemented himself as the undisputed leader on the PGA Tour, yet the narrative shifts dramatically at Sunday’s Tour Championship when he posted a flawless 66 to leap past the top‑54 hole leaders and shatter the hopes of every competitor left in contention.

Throughout the season Scheffler’s form has been erratic—he finished runner‑up against five distinct foes but dominated on the final Saturday, sending all rivals to the dustpiles for the second time in three weeks. Jackson Koivun, who earned the race at the 3M Open, returned home for the prize while his next clash with Scheffler lies in 2027. Matt Fitzpatrick, beaten along the way at the RBC Heritage, lingered around a modest 21st place, and Cameron Young struggled to propel a drive from turks to a tenth‑place finish.

“He’s just good, and he played good every day,” Hovland explained, adding: “Today it wasn’t like anyone else truly struck a remarkable surge in contention, and that shows—the guys who faltered simply gagged and threw up, while he stayed consistent and kept shooting solid scores. That does the job.”

We give a brief tribute to “the king” and promise ample Scheffler admiration later this season, though our focus today is on the players who found success among the losers.

Matt McCarty (and the top 50s)

Professional golf has never been a career without occasional bubbles, but the FedEx St. Jude Championship playoffs highlighted a crucial milestone: reaching the top‑50 at the event’s close. Keith Mitchell fell at No. 51, while Matt McCarty held the last spot at No. 50, marking extraordinary progress toward the 2027 season. Within the Top 50 were peers such as Mav McNealy (No. 49), Eric Cole (No. 48) and Michael Brennan (No. 47), all riding the double benefit of Signature‑Event participation for substantial points and guaranteed top‑90 ranking for the 2028 season.

Adam Scott (and the 40s)

Returning to my post‑tour reflection, Adam Scott felt secondhand disappointment after surrendering three strokes en route to the exit at East Lake—he managed a 5‑5‑5 on two par‑4s and a gettable 18th par‑5—but still finished T11 instead of sharing the second place with Hovland. Yet the wider view paints a richer portrait: Scott reclaimed a top‑30 finish, logged four consecutive T16 or better rounds, almost secured a major‑year slot for 2028, and will be 48 upon that season’s close. His 40‑plus cohort includes rising stars Justin Rose and Gary Woodland, both delivering solid contests and key victories.

For all three, capturing East Lake showcased a breakthrough year built on steadfast competition.

The Fitzpatrick bros (and their top‑30s)

Matt Fitzpatrick did not dominate the playoffs; his T12‑T28‑T21 tally remained respectable yet unremarkable compared to the overall exuberance. Younger brother Alex struggled early—ranging from a TC‑71 through multiple 70s—but on Sunday he exploded with a 66 to climb into T4 for the week. This rally underscored how rare it is for the Fitzgerald siblings to compete at the elite level, even as they watched fellow champions like Scheffler continue to lead.

Alex’s T4 illuminated two positives: his personal resurgence and the brothers’ continued relevance in the Tour’s talent pool. Clark’s contribution was pivotal—his 72‑hole bunker shot at the Zurich Classic stands out as a game‑changing performance, reinforcing why the 2027 season will feel like a historic rebound.

In short, Alex’s fourth place provided a bright spotlight for a promising career while amplifying Matt’s already impressive year. Both brothers are basking in a favorable offseason outlook.

The Podium Boys (and exploring in their late 20s)

Viktor Hovland and Ryan Gerard, two of the tour’s most captivating young professionals, recorded 2‑3 finishes at East Lake, pocketing $5 million and $3.7 million respectively, and gaining valuable experience despite succumbing to Scheffler’s domination.

Gerard’s upcoming trip to Switzerland offers an immersive cultural playground—a blend of scenery and personal introspection—to prepare for a potential U.S. national team role in the Presidents Cup. Hovland’s long‑term trajectory remains uncertain, but his relentless pursuit of refining his stroke underscores a deeper, explorative philosophy typical of his age group.

Ultimately, both athletes contribute rich, evolving narratives to the contemporary golfing landscape.

Wyndham Clark (and his 10/10 turnaround season)

Clark’s 10‑second top‑finish at East Lake—earning him T21—was hardly perfect, yet statistically striking given his prior struggles. Despite finishing second at the U.S. Open and collecting only three top‑10s, the win demonstrated a dramatic improvement compared with the lagging 2025 period.

Off‑field plans highlight his forward momentum: “I’m looking forward to the Presidents Cup, competing in Japan, and then diving into South Africa for another tournament”—an ambitious schedule that cements Clark’s bright prospect status. He encourages readers to engage via his contact at dylan_dethier@golf.com.

Dylan Dethier welcomes your comments at dylan_dethier@golf.com.

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