Kim's Late Collapse Costs Him BMW Championship Spot
Tom Kim's hopes of securing a place in the BMW Championship were dashed on Sunday after a disastrous final round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Starting the day in 43rd position in the FedExCup standings, Kim finished with a triple-bogey, double-bogey, double-bogey sequence to end his tournament tied for 50th. This result ultimately saw him slip to 51st in the FedExCup rankings, just missing out on a place in the second playoff event.
The top 50 players in the FedExCup standings not only qualify for the BMW Championship but also earn an automatic spot in the eight designated events on the 2025 PGA Tour schedule.
"This season has just been... it's just been like this," said a disappointed Kim, reflecting on a campaign filled with strong performances punctuated by disappointing finishes. "I've played really good golf and then had some tough finishes. It feels like 2024 has really kicked me in the butt."
Despite his recent struggles, Kim remains optimistic about his progress and his ability to bounce back. "I've gotten so much better," he stated. "I've fought really hard just to get myself in this situation. I was 90-something before we went on this run, and it looks like I'm going to miss by one. But it is what it is."
Meanwhile, Viktor Hovland, Eric Cole, and Nick Dunlap secured their places in the BMW Championship after impressive performances in Memphis. Hovland, the reigning FedExCup champion, tied for second at TPC Southwind to catapult from 57th to 16th in the rankings. Cole, who holed a crucial 15-foot putt for bogey on his final hole, climbed eight positions to 47th. Dunlap, playing in the final pairing, tied for fifth and moved from 67th to 48th.
"I was a train wreck. I'm not going to lie to you," admitted Dunlap, describing his nerves during the final round. "I was arguably the most nervous I've ever been, to be honest. I just didn't want the season to end."
While Kim missed out on the BMW Championship, Keegan Bradley edged him for the final spot in the top 50, finishing 50th despite a drop from 39th.
The BMW Championship will tee off this Thursday at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colorado. The top 30 players in the FedExCup standings after the event will then qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship.
