One of the most anticipated events of the season, the 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship, is well underway at the TPC Southwind, Memphis. But unlike the old format where the top 125 would get to qualify, this time only the top 70 players would be able to play in the first tournament. The new format has bought in many reactions from the golf community including top golfers like Rickie Fowler.

The golf pro would be entering the playoffs at the 9th position in the FedEx Cup standings. And when asked about the new format, the current No. 26 in the OWGR list had much to say as opposed to many who were discontented about the same.

Rickie Fowler on the new format of the FedEx Cup

The change in the FedEx Cup format has proven to be quite heartbreaking for many players while some welcome new changes in the game. Rickie Fowler is part of the latter list. And in a recent interview before the St. Jude Championship, he opened up about his curiosity regarding how it will all pan out in the end.

When asked about his thoughts regarding the new 70, 50, and 30 formats, he mentioned how he had been a big advocate of it for the past decade or so. “70 used to be the number for guys getting into invitationals and some of those bigger events, and I thought that it was just — could be a good system,” said the golfer as he expressed his concurrence for the same. He continued the answer by saying, “nothing I would say is ever perfect but excited to see how it works out this year and what the plans are for the future after that.”

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Although he was excited over the same, the 34-year-old also talked about how a single slip-up in the tourney can cost someone their place as their season gets ruined. They might slip just beyond 50 and thus, not make it to the next event.

While golfers such as Fowler were curious and excited about the new cut-offs, some players like Lucas Glover expressed their discontentment over the same as he expressed his dissatisfaction in an interview not too long ago.

The new format and the displeasure that came with it

The top 50 golfers after the St. Jude Championship will move on to the next leg of the Cup, The BMW Championship, which is taking place at Olympia Fields Country Club. Then the top 30 in the final FedEx Cup standings would then be eligible to take part in the finale, the TOUR Championship, where the winner would get a cut of $18 million.

Glover made sure to properly convey his dissatisfaction with the new rules. He mentioned how silly it is to call themselves the best Tour in the world and at the same time, only allowing the top 70 to play in the biggest event. “You finish 125th on the best Tour in the world, and you’re in one elevated event, the Players. That’s silly to me and always has been.”  continued the golfer as he expressed his displeasure regarding the same.

Do you think the new format will bring in more excitement to the game of golf? Let us know in the comments below.

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