FedEx Cup likely to be final judgment on PGA Tour Player of the Year

ATLANTA — It is not unusual for the PGA Tour postseason, particularly who wins the FedEx Cup, to go a long way toward who gets voted player of the year.

That is particularly true this season with only one major championship in the books.

The leading candidates for the Jack Nicklaus Award are the top five in the FedEx Cup standings going into East Lake: Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson and Collin Morikawa. Each has won at least twice against strong fields. Morikawa won the only major at the PGA Championship.

“Dustin has been playing really hot as of late. Jon caught fire mid and late, and then J.T. started off very hot,” Xander Schauffele said. “I think depending on how well everyone plays where could affect where the vote goes.”

Thomas has three victories this season, the most of anyone: the CJ Cup in South Korea in October, the Sentry Tournament of Champions in January and a World Golf Championship in August.

So it was no surprise when Thomas was asked his vote going into East Lake.

“Me,” he said.

Johnson’s two victories were at the Travelers Championship and The Northern Trust. He also was a runner-up at the PGA Championship and the BMW Championship. Morikawa’s other victory was at the Workday Charity Open at Muirfield Village in a playoff over Thomas. He also lost in a playoff at Colonial.

Simpson won at Hilton Head and the Phoenix Open.

The other multiple winner is Peters Township native Brendon Todd. His victories were last year against weaker fields, including an opposite-field event. But a FedEx Cup title might go a long way.

“I think it comes down to who gets that elusive third win,” Rahm said. “Hopefully, it’s me.”

The FedEx Cup champion has been voted PGA Tour Player of the Year three of the last five seasons.