With the 2024 FedEx Playoffs beginning next week, this week’s Wyndham Championship is massive as it offers the last remaining spots into the playoffs and with it full playing rights for next season.
For those not in the top 70 in the standings, this is a tournament with huge significance as failure to play well could result in a much tougher 2025. For those firmly inside the playoffs, the Wyndham represents a final chance to find some form ahead of the St Jude Classic teeing off next Thursday.
Often a dramatic tournament due to the fact that so much is on the line, here are the things to watch out for over the next four days.
The Course
The Wyndham has been a fixture on the PGA Tour since 1938 and some of the game’s greatest players have all tasted success.
With an impressive list of former winners which includes Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia and Jim Furyk, the action has always taken place in North Carolina.
The Sedgefield Country Club has hosted the tournament since 2008 and is widely regarded as a fair challenge where the winning scores can greatly fluctuate.
With narrow fairways, strategic bunkers and water to consider, this is one of the few courses on the PGA schedule that requires thought off the tee. By no means a bombers paradise, in order to win this tournament accuracy and course strategy need to play an important part.
Lucas Glover and Tom Kim are the tournament's previous winners and neither are exceptionally long off the tee. With a focus on approach play and scrambling, those who consistently find their ball on the fairways can expect a big week.
Who to Keep an Eye on?
With most of the PGA Tour’s biggest names already assured of their place in next week’s playoffs, there is plenty of value that can be found this week should you be interested in placing a bet.
Leading the betting is Sungjae Im. The ironman of the PGA Tour, it’s strange when Im decides not to play and his appearance this week, won’t do anything to dampen his chances by the time the playoffs roll around.
Currently ranked 9th in the FedEx standings, Im has had a quietly brilliant season. Although he is yet to win on the PGA Tour in 2024, (he has won back home in Korea), he has managed to finish in the top ten in eight of his last nine starts and another top ten finish will be in his sights once more.
By no means the longest hitter on Tour, where Im can often come into a league of his own is with his irons and wedges. This week should be set up perfectly for him and he will hope to go one better than his runner up effort back in 2022.
Shane Lowry comes next in the betting and this has been the Irishman’s most consistent year on Tour since winning the Open back in 2019.
Lowry currently sits tenth in the FedEx standings and like Im will be hoping to carry some good form into the playoffs. Having finished down the field at the Olympics and failing to see the job through at the Open, Lowry arrives at the Wyndham with something to prove. Another who should find the setup to his liking, he could be one of the better value options of the week.
Completing the top three in the betting is Si Woo Kim. Like his compatriot Im, Si Woo should enjoy the set up this week and he is also another that has finished as the runner up at this tournament.
One of the most fascinating players on the PGA Tour, Si Woo only knows one way of playing and that is aggressive. Constantly seeking out birdies, when he is on his game and there are very few players that can match him, however if his radar is a little off, he can often struggle to make an impact.
It’s been a disappointing season for Si Woo who hasn’t managed a top ten finish since the Players Championship back in March. Ranked 36th in the FedEx standings, his place in the playoffs is assured but if he wants to name the season ending Tour Championship, he will need to discover his best golf quickly.
Who Are The Best Value Options?
As is usually the case with a tournament like the Wyndham Championship, there is value everywhere you look.
At a price Ashkay Bhatia looks to be flying massively under the radar. A winner this season at the Houston Open, Bhatia has largely been able to maintain his form and he has two top five finishes in his last four starts.
Somewhat of a birdie machine, the world number 25 is likely to find conditions this week favourable and as long as this season’s exploits haven’t taken too much out of him, another solid week can be expected.
Since earning his full PGA status this season, Thomas Detry has enjoyed a positive year. Yet to win, the Belgian has enjoyed several near misses including runner up efforts at the AT&T Pebble Beach and the Texas Children’s Open.
Like most European players, courses that leave themselves vulnerable off the tee don’t usually suit, so there is a massive chance this European throwback could really play to his strengths.
Currently ranked 32nd in the FedEx standings it’s been a fine year for Detry who will hope to land a first PGA title that his talents clearly deserve.
In a tournament like the Wyndham where so much is on the line, it is always worth siding with a player who is currently out of the top 70 and last year's winner Lucas Glover could be worth siding with.
Ranked 72nd in the standings, it’s been a poor season for the veteran American but he will hope to make amends by sneaking into the top 70 this week.
Glover knows what it takes to win around Sedgefield, and at a huge price of 80/1 and with a point to prove, he could well be one of the best bets of the week.
Wyndham Championship - Betting Top Ten
If you fancy placing a bet this week, here are the top ten currently in the betting rankings.
SUNGJAE IM - 10/1
SHANE LOWRY - 22/1
SI WOO KIM - 22/1
BILLY HORSCHEL - 25/1
BRIAN HARMAN - 28/1
CAM YOUNG - 30/1
AARON RAI - 33/1
CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT - 33/1
DAVIS THOMPSON - 35/1
CAM DAVIS - 35/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
