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Peculiar Circumstances Could Unfold Sunday

Published: Sep 13, 2007

ATLANTA - Exactly how the FedEx Cup points system works has confused players and fans alike, but going into the final week, there is one important fact to remember: The winner of Sunday's Tour Championship at East Lake might not be the player who wins the FedEx Cup and its $10 million bonus prize.

The Tour Championship winner will claim first-prize money of $1.26 million. But the FedEx Cup is decided by points earned during the season, particularly the four playoff events.

Only five players have a mathematical chance to win the FedEx: Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker, Phil Mickelson, Rory Sabbatini and K.J. Choi, although Aaron Baddeley could overtake Woods if the No. 1 player withdraws or is disqualified.

The strange result could be that Sunday's winner of the tournament will celebrate his victory by being completely ignored as the FedEx winner receives a $10 million annuity.

"It's a little peculiar, I guess," Adam Scott said. "I don't know. In a dream world, they'd like it to be all on the line in the last group. They'd have a hell of a story. But I think everyone is kind of really focused on winning the event first and then seeing how it plays out."

LONG HAUL: As players bemoaned the FedEx Cup's four straight weeks of action, many fans have rolled their eyes at the physical demands of golf and pointed out that there are many sports that keep players in action for longer.

Woods pointed out the difference.

"Well, I think it's no problem if you've got teammates," he said. "We're out there by ourselves. We have no one else to rely on but ourselves.

"If [Michael Jordan] was having a bad day, he's got [Scottie] Pippen. Who do we have? We have to find a way to get it done ourselves. The more tired you get mentally, it starts showing up. You start making mistakes. You just can't afford to make mistakes out here. The margin is just too small."

GEORGIA ON HIS MIND: Zach Johnson has a chance at winning three tournaments this year in the state of Georgia.

He already has won the Masters at Augusta National and Atlanta's AT&T Classic.

If he wins Sunday, Johnson would be first tour player to win three events in the same state in the same season since Tom Watson captured three titles in California in 1980.

SUTTON HONORED: Hal Sutton was named the 2007 winner of the Payne Stewart Award on Wednesday during a ceremony at East Lake.

The award is named for the World Golf Hall of Fame member and 11-time PGA Tour winner who died the week of the 1999 Tour Championship. It was created to perpetuate his memory by annually honoring a player who reflects Stewart's respect for the game's traditions, his commitment to uphold the game's heritage of charitable support, and his professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and conduct.

OF NOTE: Woods will skip the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda, saying he wanted the longest break of his career to spend time with his daughter, Sam Alexis, who was born one day after the U.S. Open

Woods will be replaced in the four-man field at the Mid Ocean Club by Jim Furyk.

The event, to be played Oct. 16-17, will feature Johnson, U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera, British Open champ Padraig Harrington and Furyk, who tied for second at the U.S. Open and had top 15s in the Masters and British Open.

Mick Elliott, Tribune wires