5 players to watch at the 2024 BMW Championship ft. Hideki Matsuyama
The FedEx Cup Playoffs now head into their second week with the 2024 BMW Championship, featuring the top 50 players in the standings. The second of the three playoff events will tee off on Thursday, August 22, at Castle Pines Golf Club in Denver, Colorado.
With the 50 best players of this season, we're gearing up for an exciting finish to an incredible PGA Tour season. In this article, we will look at five players to watch at Castle Pines.
5 players to Watch at the 2024 BMW Championship
1) Hideki Matsuyama
The first three weeks of August have been nothing short of dramatic for Hideki Matsuyama. He first won bronze at the Paris Olympics after missing out last time in his home country. The following week, his team fell victim to a robbery in London, leading to a caddie switch for the playoffs.
Last week, Matsuyama claimed the FedEx St. Jude Championship, jumping to third in the standings. This week, he'll look to further strengthen his chances of winning the FedEx Cup.
2) Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland enters BMW Championship week as the reigning champion. Although he had an underwhelming year, his season-best T2 finish in Memphis may have helped him regain confidence ahead of his title defense in the coming two weeks.
3) Xander Schauffele
As the Player of the Year debate nears its conclusion, Xander Schauffele will be looking to bolster his case with a FedEx Cup win. Success at the BMW Championship would be a strong start toward that goal.
4) Nick Dunlap
This time last year, Nick Dunlap was competing at the U.S. Amateur, which he went on to win. Since then, he has turned pro and is now a two-time PGA Tour champion, quite an year for a youngster.
Last week, Dunlap finished T5 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, qualifying for the BMW Championship. He'll be aiming to continue his strong run and strengthen his case for PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
5) Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy had an uncharacteristic week at TPC Southwind, finishing second-to-last after shooting 9-over. However, fans will be hoping it was just an off week, and that he will return to his usual best at the BMW Championship.