(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Chris Kirk Shines at Wyndham Championship, Secures FedExCup Playoffs Spot
GREENSBORO, N.C. — In a week filled with drama and high-stakes golf, Chris Kirk emerged as the only player to move into the top 70 of the FedExCup standings at the Wyndham Championship, earning a spot in the FedEx St. Jude Championship and keeping his postseason hopes alive.
Just two months ago, Kirk ranked No. 130 in the FedExCup and was contemplating skipping the U.S. Open due to poor form. But a strong finish at Sedgefield Country Club, including a steady final-round 70 (two birdies and 16 pars), boosted him to No. 61 — punching his ticket to Memphis.
Chris Kirk makes birdie on No. 5 at Wyndham
“I think I knew nothing was really far off, but it just felt hopeless,” Kirk said. “Thankfully, working on my putting made a big difference.”
Kirk’s recent form includes a T12 at the U.S. Open, a runner-up finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and a T14 at the 3M Open — making him a strong contender for a top 50 spot and a place in next year’s Signature Events.
Other Notable Moments from the Wyndham Championship
Mark Hubbard’s Heartbreaker
Hubbard needed at least a solo second-place finish to qualify for the Playoffs. Despite shooting a bogey-free 63 on Sunday, he finished T3 — just one shot shy of his goal. He ended the season at No. 77 on the FedExCup list.
“That’s maybe the best I’ve ever felt with my tempo,” Hubbard said. “I’m really proud of myself.”
Matti Schmid Holds On
Starting the week at No. 70, Schmid needed a solid finish to retain his position. After a rough front nine on Sunday, he rallied with three consecutive birdies to close his round and lock in a T31 finish, just enough to stay inside the top 70.
“I didn’t play too well today, but I hung in there,” said Schmid. “With a bit of luck, it worked out.”
Davis Thompson Misses by Inches
Thompson was poised to make the Playoffs until a bogey on the 18th hole Sunday knocked him to No. 71, five points behind Schmid.
“It sucks, but it is what it is,” Thompson admitted. “Time to reset and focus on the Fall season.”
Patrick Rodgers Comes Up Clutch
Rodgers entered on a streak of six missed cuts and was in danger of falling out. A stellar second-round 63 and a final-round 65 lifted him to No. 63, saving his season.
“This was a gut check,” said Rodgers. “I’m proud to have found some self-belief when I needed it most.”
Cam Davis Hangs On
Despite a triple bogey early Sunday, Davis managed to finish T44 and maintain No. 69 in the FedExCup.
“I’m tired, but happy to move on,” said Davis, who plans to recharge before Memphis.
Gary Woodland Falls Just Short
After fighting health challenges and returning to form, Woodland narrowly missed the cut, finishing at No. 72. He will serve as a U.S. Ryder Cup vice captain next month.
“I’m proud of the progress I’ve made,” Woodland said. “It wasn’t enough this week, but my game is trending in the right direction.”
What’s Next?
The top 70 players now head to TPC Southwind for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first event in the FedExCup Playoffs. With quadruple points on offer, the stakes are higher than ever as players aim to crack the top 50 and advance to the BMW Championship — and secure places in the PGA TOUR’s elite events next season.
