Scheffler Claims 2026 FedEx Cup as Hovland Criticizes Format

Key points

• Scheffler shot a 66 in the final round to secure the win and the $10 million prize.
• Hovland finished at 13-under, one stroke behind the winner, after a 72.
• Scheffler's victory moved his career earnings to $130 million, surpassing Tiger Woods.
• Hovland stated the current format feels less like a true season-long championship than the 2023 edition.
• The PGA Tour announced a switch to match play for the Tour Championship starting in 2028.

Background

The 2026 Tour Championship concluded the PGA Tour season at East Lake in Atlanta. Earlier in the week, Viktor Hovland and Ryan Gerard shared the lead after the third round, with Scheffler trailing by a few strokes. Hovland had previously won the event in 2023, while Scheffler had won the 2025 edition. The current format, which eliminated starting strokes, allowed multiple top contenders to remain in contention until the final round.

How outlets are covering it

HITC emphasized Hovland's post-round comments, arguing his remarks validated the PGA Tour's decision to change the format to match play for 2028. Hovland noted that the current setup makes the event feel like 'anybody's game' rather than a reward for season-long dominance. BBC Sport focused on the competitive drama of the final round, highlighting Scheffler's comeback after a difficult start and his historic move to the top of the career earnings list. CBS Sports detailed the chaotic conditions at East Lake, noting that the course became significantly more difficult on Sunday, with 13 players finishing over par. The PGA Tour highlighted the 'bunched' leaderboard, noting that the removal of starting strokes allowed multiple Player of the Year candidates, including Scheffler, Gotterup, and Young, to remain in the hunt for the title.

Why it matters

The result underscores ongoing debates about the fairness of the FedEx Cup format. While the current system rewards consistency, players like Hovland argue it does not sufficiently reward season-long leadership. The announced shift to match play in 2028 aims to address this by giving the season-long leader a structural advantage, potentially altering the competitive landscape of the PGA Tour's season finale.

What to watch

The PGA Tour will implement a two-week match-play format for the Tour Championship starting in 2028. The new format will feature group stages for the top 32 players, with only 16 advancing to head-to-head matches. Scheffler will be recognized as the 2026 FedEx Cup champion, while Hovland will continue to compete in the fall, including the Solheim Cup coverage period.