World number one Scottie Scheffler fired a final round 67 on Sunday to capture The American Express title by two shots and take an early season lead in the FedEx Cup standings.
Scheffler Overcomes Slow Start for Second Win
Scheffler overcame a slow start on Sunday with two front nine bogies to card five back nine birds and post a winning total of 23-under 265 at PGA West. It was the second win of the 2024 season for Scheffler, who also triumphed at the Sentry Tournament of Champions two weeks ago.
“I didn’t get off to the best start with a couple bogies early, but I kept patient and kept giving myself chances,” Scheffler said. “The putts started dropping on the back nine which opened things up for me.”
Scheffler takes a commanding lead atop the FedEx Cup standings after the American Express win, which was worth 500 points. His total of 1,340 points has him well ahead of runner-up Tom Kim, who sits at second with 620 points.
Kim and Finau Round Out Podium Places
While Scheffler ran away with the title after his back nine charge, the battle for second place came down to the final holes on Sunday. Tom Kim and Tony Finau both carded rounds of 68 to finish at 21-under, two shots behind Scheffler.
Kim continued his standout sophomore campaign after winning twice in his rookie season last year. The rising star is proving his win at the Wyndham Championship was no fluke.
“My game feels really good right now and I’m looking forward to keep contending,” Kim said on Sunday. “Scottie played incredible today but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction.”
Finau snapped a winless drought of over three years at last week’s The American Express, and backed it up with yet another runner-up this week. The consistency has Finau sitting third in the FedEx Cup standings with 550 points.
Big Names Falter Down Stretch
Entering the final round, big names Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay were in contention after rounds of 68 and 69 respectively. But both faltered on Sunday, playing themselves out of the running.
Schauffele was only three shots back to start the day but carded three bogies and no birds on the front nine to shoot himself in the foot. The Olympic gold medalist signed for an even-par 72 to finish six shots behind Scheffler.
“I just didn’t have my best stuff today,” Schauffele stated after his round. “My iron and wedge play let me down.”
Cantlay was five back of Scheffler but also failed to make a move on Sunday. Last year’s FedEx Cup champion shot a one-over 73 to finish five strokes behind the winner.
Hadwin Top Canadian at 16-Under
Canadian Adam Hadwin was the top player from north of the border this week, posting four consistent rounds in the 60s to finish at 16-under par.
“I’m happy with how I played this week,” said Hadwin, who finished T10. “I’d like to be a few shots better but my game is in a good place early in 2024.”
Corey Conners was the second-best Canadian in the field at 15-under while Mackenzie Hughes and Michael Gligic finished T26 and T39 respectively.
Dunlap Grabs Final Spot at Farmers Insurance Open
While the focus was on the top of the leaderboard on Sunday, there were also some important developments at the opposite end of the spectrum. Nick Dunlap finished at 11-under par and grabbed the final spot in the upcoming Farmers Insurance Open field next week.
The Farmers Insurance Open, played at Torrey Pines in San Diego, is one of the most coveted non-Major tournaments on Tour due to its gorgeous venue and proximity to Hollywood. Spots in the field are highly sought after.
As a recent college graduate and rookie on Tour this season, Dunlap was ecstatic to qualify for Torrey Pines.
“It’s a dream come true to play at Torrey Pines,” said an emotional Dunlap after his round on Sunday. “That course is so iconic and I can’t wait for next week.”
With the American Express in the books, the PGA Tour heads to coastal California for what should be an exciting event at Torrey Pines. Scottie Scheffler will look to keep his early season momentum going and add a third victory before the calendar flips to February.
| Rank | Player | FedEx Cup Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scottie Scheffler | 1,340 |
| 2 | Tom Kim | 620 |
| 3 | Tony Finau | 550 |
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