The 2026 TOUR Championship brings the PGA Tour season to its climax this week at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, with the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings competing from August 27–30.
The favorite’s
Scottie Scheffler enters as the player to beat. The world No. 1 has been the dominant force on the PGA Tour and is looking to finish the season by claiming another FedExCup.
Rory McIlroy is another major storyline. McIlroy has already won at East Lake three times and is chasing a fourth TOUR Championship victory.
Wyndham Clark, fresh from winning the BMW Championship, arrives with considerable momentum. Tommy Fleetwood, the defending champion, also returns to East Lake looking to repeat.
Tournament format
This year’s field consists of 30 players, with everyone starting at even par. There are no starting strokes, and the event is a conventional 72-hole stroke-play tournament. The lowest score after four rounds wins the TOUR Championship and the FedExCup.
The purse is $40 million, with $10 million going to the champion. There is no cut.
Key storylines
Scheffler’s dominance: Can the world No. 1 finish the season with another FedExCup?
McIlroy at East Lake: His outstanding history at the course makes him a serious threat.
Fleetwood’s title defence: The 2025 champion will attempt to become a repeat winner.
Clark’s momentum: His BMW Championship victory gives him plenty of confidence.
The final year of the current era: The PGA Tour has announced a major overhaul beginning in 2028, when the Tour Championship will eventually move to a match-play-based format.
My pick
Scottie Scheffler is the safest pick to win. His combination of elite ball-striking, consistency and season-long form makes him the player most likely to prevail over four rounds.
Dark horse: Collin Morikawa — his approach play and recent form make him a strong candidate to challenge the favourites.
Prediction: **Scottie Scheffler wins the 2026 TOUR Championship and the FedExCup.
