The Augusta Golf Show Blog; The Tour Championship

So, the PGA TOUR began the FED EX Cup playoffs in 2007.  This is the 16th year and they have had some growing pains. [caption id="attachment_58572" align="alignnone" width="300"] ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 18th green during the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)[/caption] For many years, the Tour Championship at Eastlake was a bit of an odd bird.  Yes, the was the finale of the FED EX Cup playoffs, and there was a BIG payday at the end of the tournament, but it wouldn't necessarily go to the player THAT WON THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP. In those first few years, lets see, it was a bit confusing, with the best year being 2007. the year that Tiger won the FED EX Cup but Phil Mickelson won the FED EX CUP.  It was at the height of the "rivalry" and neither of them looked happy to be sharing the stage with the other. Then, after the 2018 season, the PGA TOUR sat down and figured out a way to end the confusion, sorta, with making sure that the winner of the Tour Championship would also be crowned the FED EX Cup champion. [caption id="attachment_58578" align="alignnone" width="300"] ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland talks with his caddie Harry Diamond during the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)[/caption] Since that change, Rory, Dustin, Patrick Cantay and again, this year, Rory won the tournament and the Cup. Yesterday was a pretty exciting end to the season.  Four time winner this year and the MASTERS winner, plus the world's No.1 player, Scottie Scheffler had opened up a six shot lead going into the final round.  Just shoot one or two under par and it would be almost impossible to anyone to catch him.  He did not do that.  he got off to a bit of a bumpy start and midway through the front side was caught by Rory McIlroy.  It went back and fourth until, on the 15th hole, Rory sank a long birdie putt to tie for the lead.  He almost lost it on the next hole when his fairway bunker shot flew the green and left him with a tough up and down for par, which he executed.  Scheffler made bogey and Rory was in the lead. [caption id="attachment_58581" align="alignnone" width="300"] ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks off the 17th tee as Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks on during the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)[/caption] The final round 66 by Rory was enough to win the tournament and the Cup and collect the $18 million dollar first place check.  Don't feel back for Scottie, he walked away with over $6 million dollars. [caption id="attachment_58584" align="alignnone" width="300"] ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates winning the FedEx Cup in his post round press conference after the final round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)[/caption] Next on Rory's "to do" list?  The MASTERS in April and the career Grand Slam. It's been a very interesting year for Rory, seemingly taking on the role of spokesperson for the tour when it comes to the challenge of the LIV events.  He's always been one of the most thoughtful interviews on tour, but, it's taking on a different meaning these days when he stands in front of the press.  He, along with Tiger have taken a lead role in promoting the tour and speaking on it's behalf.  Interesting from Rory, almost UNHEARD OF from Tiger. In the days ahead, we will apparently hear more names are that leaving the tour for LIV, including, apparently the Open Champion, Cameron Smith.  We'll just wait and see how it plays out.  For now, there's the President's Cup in Charlotte in a few weeks time.  There are some big tournaments left on the DP World Tour, including the BMW Championship and the Race to Dubai finales, and it appears Rory will be playing in those. The 2022 golf season, isn't done quite yet, but for many reasons, it's one that won't soon be forgotten. For more, click here.