GOLF US TOUR:WITH TIGER Woods a notable absentee after a mediocre year by his usual standards, this weekend's Tour Championship offers a plethora of winning scenarios for the prestigious FedExCup.
Any of the top five players in the points standings has a chance of landing the trophy, along with the $10 million bonus, with victory on Sunday in the PGA Tour’s final play-off event.
For American Steve Stricker, who lies fourth in the standings after a successful 2010 season highlighted by two wins, the list of likely FedExCup candidates runs much deeper.
“The top five can control their own destiny but you can go down to 13th, 14th, maybe even a little higher, who could win it all,” said Stricker.
The world number four likes his own chances at East Lake, having played consistently good golf in the FedExCup play-off events since they were ushered in three years ago. “I go to each one of these events knowing I’ve played well there in the past and I feel comfortable going there,” Stricker said.
Long-hitting Dustin Johnson, like Stricker a double winner on the 2010 PGA Tour, has also set his sights on one more good week.
“To have a chance to win here is what I’ve prepared for all year long,” said Johnson, who won the third play-off event, the BMW Championship, two weeks ago.
Johnson, who lies second in the FedExCup standings, did not plan to change his playing strategy with the Tour Championship and the FedExCup both on the line.
“It’s still a golf tournament, you’ve still got to play four rounds,” the 26-year-old American said.
Britain’s Paul Casey, fifth in the points list, felt this week’s lucrative win bonus could be an unwanted distraction.
“I’m trying not to get too caught up in it because it’s a sum of money that I’m not too familiar with,” the world number seven said. “You’ve got the winnings from this particular event as well, so you’re looking at $11.35 million.”
An elite field of 30 has qualified for the final play-off event, with world number one Woods failing to join them after ending his PGA Tour season without claiming a single title.
Woods struggled for form after his private life unravelled at the end of last year amid revelations of serial philandering and continues to work on a swing overhaul.
Tour commissioner Tom Finchem saw both good and bad in the absence of Woods from East Lake. “You don’t have the number one player playing, that’s never good news,” Finchem said.
Nine of Corey Pavin’s Ryder Cup side have made it this far – the missing three being Stewart Cink, Ricky Fowler and, of course, Woods.
His absence gives Phil Mickelson yet another opportunity to move to world number one. He is the defending champion and he needs a top-two finish.
THE LOWDOWN
Course: East Lake GC, Atlanta, Georgia.
Length: 7,154 yards. Par: 70.
Prizemoney: €5.6 million (€1 million for the winner)
Layout: Home course of legendary Bobby Jones and now permanent home to Tour Championship. Designed by Donald Ross, updated in 1998 by Rees Jones. Two par fives, the fifth and 10th, have been shortened to play as par fours.
Field: Top 30 in FedEx Cup. No cut.
Defending champion: Phil Mickelson beat Tiger Woods by three shots. Pádraig Harrington finished tied for fourth.
On TV:Sky Sports 2, 6-11pm.
Weather forecast: Dry and hot, over 30 degrees.
