2023 Tour Championship: Ranking the Top 5 Contenders at East Lake Golf Course

Rory McIlroy aims to win the Tour Championship and become the first player to win the FedEx Cup two years in a row, while Scottie Scheffler leads the pack.

The Tour Championship is currently taking place at the East Lake Golf Course, and the stakes are high. The winner of this prestigious tournament will walk away with a staggering $18 million, marking the grand finale of the 2023 FedEx Cup. Among the contenders, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have the most to gain, with Scheffler already leading the pack as the player who has earned the most throughout the Tour season.

For McIlroy, a victory would not only be a remarkable achievement but also a historic one. If he manages to overcome a three-stroke deficit to Scheffler (accounting for the starting strokes awarded), he will become the first player ever to win the FedEx Cup two years in a row. This triumph would further solidify his dominance in the golfing world and add a fourth trophy to his collection. The only player who comes close to McIlroy's record is the legendary Tiger Woods, with two FedEx Cup trophies to his name.

At present, McIlroy seems to be the clear favorite. Scheffler's performance throughout the season has been nothing short of exceptional, with his lowest finish being a respectable T31 in the 19 events he has participated in. He has achieved an impressive 17 top-12 finishes, including two victories and 11 top-five finishes. This consistent form makes him a formidable opponent and a force to be reckoned with.

However, McIlroy is no stranger to success either. He has been in excellent form, consistently finishing within the top 10 since May. Additionally, his third-place standing at the start of the Championship grants him a starting score of -7, giving him an advantageous position. The pressure is on for McIlroy, who has his eyes set on breaking records and earning accolades. Winning the Tour Championship and claiming the $18 million prize would be a remarkable addition to his already illustrious career.

Another player worth mentioning is Viktor Hovland. Coming off a victory at the BMW Championship, Hovland is riding a wave of momentum. He not only emerged as the winner of the event but also set a new record with a phenomenal score of 61 in the final round. This marks his fourth consecutive appearance at the Tour Championship, and he finished fifth in the previous year. With a starting score of -8, Hovland is in a strong position to contend for the Cup this weekend.

Xander Schauffele may be considered a sleeper pick, given his seven-shot deficit against Scottie Scheffler. However, Schauffele has a remarkable track record at the East Lake Golf Course. He clinched the Championship title in 2017, showcasing his prowess on this particular course. Moreover, he has consistently performed well at Championship events, securing top-seven finishes six times in a row. Schauffele's reliability is evident in his impressive streak of making the cut in 32 consecutive tournaments.

Jon Rahm is another talented player in the mix, currently placed fourth in the FedEx Cup standings. However, his recent T31 finish at the BMW Championship raises concerns about his current form. Despite this setback, Rahm's fourth-place standing grants him a starting score of -6, which might be enough to offset any initial struggles and propel him towards a strong performance in the Tour Championship.

As the Tour Championship unfolds, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are higher than ever. With a massive $18 million prize on the line, players like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele, and Jon Rahm are vying for the coveted title. Each golfer brings their unique strengths and abilities to the course, making for an exhilarating and unpredictable tournament. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious and etch their name in golfing history.