The first event of the PGA Tour’s new FedEx Fall series, the Fortinet Championship, is underway this weekend. This new fall format gives players who did not qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs a chance to earn their way into signature events. It also offers a substantial prize pool for the competitors.
Justin Thomas, who finished 71st in the previous season’s standings and is looking to secure signature event entries while preparing for the Ryder Cup, was leading the field alongside two-time defending champion Max Homa. However, Sahith Theegala took control of the tournament going into Sunday with a two-shot lead, aiming for his first PGA Tour victory. This could be a significant milestone for Theegala and a potentially life-changing moment in terms of prize money.
Although the entire Fortinet Championship payout is relatively modest at $8.4 million, the winner of the tournament will receive $1.512 million in prize money. This substantial sum underscores the financial rewards available to professional golfers. Many of the upcoming FedEx Fall events are likely to have similar payouts for the winners, as there are no signature events with elevated purses.
The complete distribution of the Fortinet Championship’s prize money, based on finishing position, is as follows:
– Winner: $1.512 million
– 2nd: $915,600
– 3rd: $579,600
– 4th: $411,600
– 5th: $344,400
– 6th: $304,500
– 7th: $283,500
– 8th: $262,500
– 9th: $245,700
– 10th: $228,900
The prize money gradually decreases for each subsequent position, with the 68th place receiving $17,556. This breakdown emphasizes the importance of finishing high in the tournament for players who are looking to earn a significant paycheck.
For Theegala, winning the Fortinet Championship is more than just about the prize money. It would also mark his first PGA Tour victory, which has been long overdue considering his talent and previous close calls. Theegala, a former Pepperdine star, has been on the verge of a breakthrough, and this could be the week he finally secures that maiden victory.
The Fortinet Championship serves as an exciting start to the PGA Tour’s new FedEx Fall series. As more tournaments unfold, players who missed out on the FedEx Cup Playoffs will have multiple opportunities to showcase their skills and potentially earn a significant paycheck. The increased prize money and the chance to compete in signature events make this fall series an essential part of the golfing calendar.