(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Rickie Fowler earned a crucial spot in next year’s Signature Events with a strong finish at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, avoiding the need for sponsor exemptions in 2026.
Fowler, who received six sponsor exemptions this year but preferred to qualify on merit, entered the week ranked No. 64 in the FedExCup standings. To secure his place in all eight 2026 Signature Events and qualify for the upcoming BMW Championship, he needed to break into the top 50 after this Playoffs opener.
At TPC Southwind, Fowler delivered a solid closing round of 1-under 69, finishing tied for sixth at 10-under overall. This moved him up to No. 48 in the FedExCup standings, clinching his spot in next year’s Signature Events and the BMW Championship. He was outside the top 50 early in his back nine but drained a critical 11-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole and closed with pars to seal his position. Had he finished just one stroke higher, he would have ended at No. 53 and needed to rely on sponsor exemptions once again.
Not all players were as fortunate. Fowler’s close friend Jordan Spieth, who also relied on sponsor exemptions in 2025, entered the week at No. 48 but hovered around the cut line. Spieth’s final round saw a crucial bogey on the last hole, dropping him out of the top 50 and ending his hopes of advancing to the BMW Championship.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship was filled with tension as many players battled to keep their season alive. Only the top 50 after this event advance to the second Playoffs leg at the BMW Championship, guaranteeing spots in all 2026 Signature Events and a shot at the FedExCup title.
Here’s a look at who moved into and out of the top 50 during Sunday’s drama:
Moved In:
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Kurt Kitayama (No. 37, T9)
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Bud Cauley (No. 46, T14)
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Rickie Fowler (No. 48, T6)
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Jhonnatan Vegas (No. 49, T14)
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J.T. Poston (No. 50, T22)
Moved Out:
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Aldrich Potgieter (No. 52, T59)
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Jordan Spieth (No. 54, T38)
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Jake Knapp (No. 55, T62)
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Wyndham Clark (No. 56, T56)
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Min Woo Lee (No. 57, T68)
Notable moments included Bud Cauley’s incredible hole-out birdie from a bunker on the 17th, which vaulted him into the top 50, and Kurt Kitayama’s clutch 37-foot birdie putt on the final hole, pushing him inside the bubble. Meanwhile, Chris Kirk made a spirited run with a late birdie but ultimately fell just short at No. 51.
The stakes were high for many, including Tony Finau, whose streak of eight straight TOUR Championship appearances ended after a tough final round. Meanwhile, J.T. Poston described the pressure as a “grind” but was relieved to finish inside the top 50.
With the FedExCup Playoffs intensifying, the fight for spots at the BMW Championship and beyond continues, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season and important positioning for 2026.
