Battle for the FedEx Cup: Early Movers, Surprise Contenders, and Ones to Watch

As the 2025 PGA Tour season progresses, the FedEx Cup standings are beginning to take shape, revealing both expected leaders and surprising contenders. With the Masters behind us and the summer stretch approaching, players are jockeying for a position to secure their spots in the playoffs and, ultimately, a chance at the coveted FedEx Cup title. The competition is fierce, with seasoned veterans and emerging talents alike making significant moves up the leaderboard. Week by week, new narratives develop, adding excitement to each tournament as players chase points, prestige, and the massive FedEx Cup prize. Let’s take a closer look at the current landscape, highlighting the early frontrunners, surprise contenders, and those poised for big moves over the next few months.​

Early Leaders: Setting the Pace

Rory McIlroy has firmly established himself at the top of the FedEx Cup standings, amassing an impressive 2,433 points and earning over $13.25 million in prize money this season. Not to mention, he claimed the first Major Championship trophy of the year at the Masters. His consistent performances, including multiple top finishes, have solidified his position as a frontrunner. McIlroy's balanced game, characterized by powerful drives and precise iron play, has been instrumental in his ascent. His ability to remain composed under pressure has also contributed to his success, making him a player to watch as the season unfolds. With the season starting to heat up, McIlroy's momentum could prove pivotal in his quest for the FedEx Cup.

Justin Thomas has made a significant move up the standings, he currently holds the second spot with 1,699 points and close to $7 million in earnings. His recent victory at the RBC Heritage, where he clinched the title in a playoff, marked his first win since the 2022 PGA Championship. Thomas's aggressive play style and ability to score low rounds quickly have been on full display, contributing to his strong performances. His experience and competitive spirit make him a perennial threat, and his current momentum positions him well for a deep playoff run. As the season advances, his focus will be on maintaining consistency and capitalizing on opportunities to climb the leaderboard.​

Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked third with 1,428 points and close to $5 million in earnings, continues to demonstrate why he is considered one of the top players on the tour and the number one player in the world. His consistent performances, including top-10 finishes in his last three events, have solidified his position among the elite. Scheffler's technical precision, especially with his irons, has long been a calling card, but it's his confidence on the greens that's truly elevating his game this season. As the reigning FedEx Cup champion, he brings experience and resilience to the competition, qualities that will serve him well in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. His current form suggests he will remain a significant contender as the season progresses.​

Surprise Contenders: Ahead of Schedule

Russell Henley has been one of the season's pleasant surprises, currently ranked fourth with 1,404 points and over $6.2 million in earnings. The American golfer has showcased remarkable consistency, highlighted by several top-10 finishes and a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Henley's steady play and calm demeanor under pressure have been instrumental in his rise. His proficiency in the greens and strategic course management has allowed him to compete effectively against the tour's elite. If he continues this trajectory, Henley could secure a prominent position heading into the playoffs.​

Sepp Straka, holding the fifth spot with 1,398 points and over $4.5 million in earnings, has emerged as a formidable force in the 2025 season. His consistent performances, including a victory at the American Express and multiple top-10 finishes, have solidified his position at the top. Straka's balanced game, characterized by accurate driving and precise iron play, has been instrumental in his ascent. His ability to remain composed under pressure has also contributed to his success, making him a player to watch as the season unfolds. With the playoffs on the horizon, Straka's momentum could prove pivotal in his quest for the FedEx Cup.

Maverick McNealy, currently ranked eighth with 1,190 points and over $4.8 million in earnings, has demonstrated a resurgence this season. The American, known for his short game and creativity around the greens, has recorded several impressive finishes. McNealy's improved form and ability to navigate difficult courses make him a player to watch. His recent performances indicate a return to the form that saw him rise through the ranks in previous seasons. Continued success in the coming months could see McNealy ascend the FedEx Cup standings.​

Ones to Watch: Potential Movers This Summer

Xander Schauffele, currently ranked 62nd in the FedEx Cup standings, remains a player with significant potential to climb the leaderboard. A consistent performer, Schauffele's technical skill and strategic approach have earned him several high finishes in past seasons. There’s no doubt that an early-season rib injury has kept him from playing to his full potential, but his meticulous preparation and focus on course management will be key factors in his success. As a former Olympic gold medalist and two-time Major Champion, Schauffele brings experience and resilience to the competition, qualities that will serve him well in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. His current form will only get better, and he could cement himself as a significant contender as the season progresses.

Tom Kim, sitting at 74th in the standings, has demonstrated a dip in form this season. The South Korean, known for his short game and creativity around the greens, has yet to record any impressive finishes, in what seems to be a down year. While he hasn't broken through with a victory yet in 2025, his youth and confidence make him a dangerous player as the season heats up. Kim has shown flashes of brilliance in pressure situations and remains a fan favorite for his enthusiasm and flair. If he can string together consistent performances in the coming months, there is every reason to believe he will surge up the FedEx Cup rankings and give himself a chance at a playoff run.

Max Homa, currently sitting at 100th in the standings, is arguably the biggest name in need of a summer turnaround. Once a fixture in the top 10 and a multi-time winner on Tour, Homa has struggled to find any sort of rhythm this season. His ball-striking has been inconsistent, and he’s been unable to put four solid rounds together in recent starts. Despite the slow start, Homa’s track record of bouncing back, especially on tougher tracks where patience and precision matter, keeps him in the conversation. He proved as much with his T12 finish at the Masters. A strong showing at one or two Signature Events could quickly vault him back into playoff contention, and few players are more motivated than Homa to prove he still belongs amongst the Tour’s elite.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 FedEx Cup race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With stars like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Scottie Scheffler leading the charge, the top of the leaderboard is stacked with proven talent, but the emergence of players like Sepp Straka, Russell Henley, and Maverick McNealy adds intrigue and unpredictability to the chase. Meanwhile, players like Xander Schauffele, Tom Kim, and Max Homa loom just outside the spotlight, poised to make a run as summer tournaments ramp up in intensity. Every event matters now. Playoff spots are on the line, and the chase for $25 million is heating up. Expect the intensity to rise and the storylines to get even more compelling. The FedEx Cup is not just a season-long sprint, it’s a test of endurance, form, and resilience. As we head into the heart of the PGA Tour schedule, one thing’s for sure: the best is yet to come.