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Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PGA Tour Championship Field Finalized With 30 Players Ready to Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 10:13 PM ET

In the closing stretch of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club, the tension was obvious as players around the big bubble battled for the final slots in next week’s Tour Championship.

It all came down to FedExCup points, drama, clutch shots, heartbreak and elation. Scottie Scheffler outdueled Robert MacIntyre with a clutch 82-foot chip‑in birdie on the 17th to win by two strokes, while players like Akshay Bhatia and Harry Hall surged to clinch the last coveted spots in the top 30.

Rickie Fowler and Michael Kim just missed out after late stumbles. The stakes are high for the Tour Championship in Atlanta, where all 30 players will now start level at even par under a brand new format. The stage is set and the drama is far from over.

It all comes down to this ... the final 30 are set for the @TOURChamp! pic.twitter.com/oFREk6FB1p
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 17, 2025

BMW Championship Result Highlights Tour Championship Field

Scottie Scheffler crowned his dominance with a dramatic comeback win at the BMW Championship. Down four shots heading into the final round, he fired a 3-under 67 highlighted by an 82-foot chip-in for birdie on the 17th, sealing a two-stroke victory over Robert MacIntyre. That impressive finish marked his fifth PGA Tour win of the year and reinforced his place as a runaway No. 1 in the FedExCup standings.

Meanwhile, the bubble drama delivered plenty of twists. Akshay Bhatia claimed the 30th and final spot, just holding on after his own wild week that included a hole-in-one and a hole-out eagle.

Harry Hall rocketed from 45th to 26th with a clutch birdie on 17 and a strong sixth-place finish. Rickie Fowler, looking strong for most of the final round, succumbed to a double bogey late and was knocked just outside the top 30 despite tying for seventh.

Major Storylines and What's on the Line

This tournament shaped the field and the narrative heading to the Tour Championship. Scheffler not only earned the win but significantly padded his lead in the FedExCup race with a hefty bonus to go along with the prize money.

His form, which includes two majors already this season and 13 consecutive top-10 finishes, has put him in a peak position to go for back-to-back FedExCup titles.

On the flip side, players like Fowler and Michael Kim fell short of their Tour Championship hopes and now face an offseason reset. For others like Hall and Bhatia, the tournament is a breakthrough moment that earns them a shot at a $40 million purse in Atlanta.

What the New Tour Championship Format Means

The Tour Championship format has changed for 2025. Instead of staggered starts based on FedExCup rankings players will now all begin at even par and the lowest total score over 72 holes will determine the FedExCup champion. That simplicity makes every shot count from the first tee and heightens the pressure and excitement for both fans and players alike.

The field of 30 is now complete and each player has the same starting point. That levels the playing field and could yield surprises and amplify why the BMW Championship result matters. With a fresh format and a star-studded field set, all eyes turn to East Lake Golf Club for what promises to be a truly open and thrilling conclusion to the season.

2025 Tour Championship Order

Scottie Scheffler is No. 1, with Rory McIlroy coming in second. J.J. Spaun, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood round out the top five. Here is the rest of the top 30: