Min Woo Lee’s disappointing first round at the FedEx St Jude Championship may mark a premature end to his golf season and cost him the chance to win substantial prize money. The 27-year-old Australian started the event ranked 50th in the season points standings, with the top 70 qualifying for the championship. However, only the top 50 will advance to the BMW Championship, while the top 30 after that will compete for the coveted FedEx Cup, which boasts over $150 million in prize money.
Lee’s round performance was less than stellar, finishing with a score of 76, which included five bogeys and a damaging triple bogey on the 13th hole, placing him at the bottom of the leaderboard in 69th position. This unfortunate outing puts his place in the top 50 in jeopardy. Notably, Rory McIlroy chose not to participate, as he’s expected to qualify for the BMW Championship regardless.
Since claiming his first PGA Tour title at the Houston Open in March, Lee’s results have been disappointing, with only a T13 finish at the Rocket Classic, missing cuts in three of the four majors, and not finishing above 49th in other events.
In contrast, Akshay Bhatia displayed a remarkable performance, ending his round with an eagle-birdie-birdie finish that secured a career-best score of 62 and the lead. Scottie Scheffler, competing after winning the British Open, recorded a solid 67, marking his 10th consecutive round under 70. Bhatia is currently in 45th place in the FedEx Cup standings, aiming to secure his spot among the top 30 for a chance at a $15 million bonus.
Justin Rose and Bud Cauley each scored 64, while Tommy Fleetwood made significant strides in his chances for a first PGA Tour title, sitting comfortably within the top spots after hitting 13 out of 14 fairways and finishing his round with four consecutive birdies.
The stakes remain high as only the top 50 will move forward to the BMW Championship, with players like Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth working hard to maintain their rankings. This week is crucial on the PGA Tour, as the outcomes will influence eligibility for the significant tournaments next year, ensuring a focus on performance amidst the tension of the playoffs. The outcome of Lee’s season hangs in the balance, reflecting the unpredictable nature of professional golf.