Jim Furyk Wins Tour Championship and FedEx Cup

Strategic Insights -

Jim Furyk held his nerve at the final hole of the Tour Championship in Atlanta to win the biggest prize in golf, denying Luke Donald a place in a play-off in the process. The 40-year-old American came to the par-three 18th hole leading Donald by a single stroke and needing to par the hole to seal victory, and with it the FedEx Cup. Furyk's exquisite shot from a greenside bunker and roll-in putt with a $39 putter he had bought a few weeks earlier proved to be the turning point, securing his third win of the season and a staggering $10 million bonus.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jim Furyk won the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup, securing a $10 million bonus and the season's fourth tournament.
  • Furyk came to the par-three 18th hole leading Luke Donald by a single stroke and needing to par the hole to seal victory.
  • Furyk's shot from a greenside bunker and roll-in putt with a $39 putter proved to be the turning point, securing his third win of the season.
  • Donald finished third in the standings, collecting a $3 million cheque.
  • Matt Kuchar finished second in the standings, earning a $63 million FedEx Cup bonus.
  • Padraig Harrington, a wild-card selection for the Europe team, found his form at the Vivendi Cup and will join the team at Celtic Manor for the Ryder Cup.

Statistics:

  • $10 million: The amount Furyk won for winning the FedEx Cup.
  • $1.35 million: The amount Furyk won for winning the Tour Championship.
  • $3 million: The amount Luke Donald earned for finishing third in the standings.
  • $63 million: The amount Matt Kuchar earned for finishing second in the standings.
  • 64: Padraig Harrington's final round score at the Vivendi Cup that included seven birdies and an eagle.
  • $39: The amount Furyk paid for the putter he used to roll in the winning putt.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Peter Dixon Golf Correspondent Jim Furyk, with what will become known as the ten million-dollar shot, held his nerve..." (The Times)