The 7 huge names who suffered PGA Tour elimination from FedEx Cup Playoffs

Archie Starkey
PGA golf stars look on as they are eliminated from the playoffs.
Tony Finau, Jordan Spieth and Wydnham Clark are among the PGA stars eliminated from the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

The FedEx Playoffs have already seen the surprising exit of several high-profile players who failed to finish inside the top 50 at the St. Jude Championship in Memphis.

These golfers, ranging from seasoned Major champions to emerging exciting stars, have struggled to find consistency in the postseason.

Their elimination not only shakes up the 2025 Playoffs but underscores the unpredictable and demanding FedEx Cup race.

Here are 7 big-name players who were eliminated from the PGA Tour postseason at TPC Southwinds…

1. Jordan Spieth

  • PGA Tour wins: 13
  • OWGR ranking: 51
  • Age: 32

Spieth is a three-time Major winner who looked to be finding form at the right time in the later stages of the 2025 season. He won the FedEx Cup a decade ago in 2015.

Why a big miss: While by no means the same player he was 10 years ago, the Texan is still capable of lighting up 18 holes when it matters. His return to form seemed so near, and he will be gutted to miss the rest of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and his chance to prove his value.

2. Wyndham Clark

  • PGA Tour wins: 3
  • OWGR ranking: 26
  • Age: 31

Clark made headlines with a breakthrough win at the 2023 U.S. Open and consequently made the Team USA Ryder Cup side that year. His aggressive play and mental fortitude earned him a world number three OWGR ranking in 2024.

Why a big miss: Despite his recent struggles and falling down the rankings, Clark is a proven Major winner and competitor when the pressure is on. Clark’s absence takes away a player who can make sudden surges up the leaderboard.

3. Aaron Rai

  • PGA Tour wins: 1
  • OWGR ranking: 32
  • Age: 30

The Englishman is one of his nation’s most consistent performers. He picked up his maiden PGA Tour win at the Wyndham Championship last year with a two-stroke victory over Max Greyserman, who also missed out.

Why a big miss: While not a huge golfing name, Rai has been consistent this year and seems destined to push for an event title. He finished in the top 35 of every Major in 2025 and can mount a challenge when it matters.

4. Aldrich Potgieter

  • PGA Tour wins: 1
  • OWGR ranking: 58
  • Age: 20

The youngest on the list, South African Potgieter, is a promising talent whose PGA Tour leading distance has helped him play aggressive, low-scoring rounds, earning him a first PGA Tour title at the 2025 Rocket Classic.

Why a big miss: He is one of the most aggressive players who can shorten golf courses with long driving off the tee. His elimination robs the playoffs of a fresh contender who can shoot a low 60 round when it matters.

5. Tony Finau

  • PGA Tour wins: 6
  • OWGR ranking: 53
  • Age: 35

While not the threat of old, Tony Finau was once ranked ninth in the world and has a top-five finish at every Major tournament. He won a FedEx Cup Playoff event at The Northern Trust in 2021, holding off Cameron Smith in a playoff.

Why a big miss: Finau is an admired personality on and off the course and has been a capable performer through the years. His last title came at the Mexico Open in 2023, only two seasons ago.

6. Jake Knapp

  • PGA Tour wins: 1
  • OWGR ranking: 78
  • Age: 31

Knapp is renowned on Tour for his lightning scoring and knack for stringing together blistering examples of low scoring of the highest level. He made headlines in the 2025 Cognizant Classic with a 59, just the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history.

Why a big miss: The 2024 Mexico Open champion’s ability to build birdie trains is exactly what is needed for Playoff runs. His quality and precision are a significant loss for the FedEx postseason field.

7. Min Woo Lee

  • PGA Tour wins: 1
  • OWGR ranking: 46
  • Age: 27

The Australian star is a fan favourite with his antics that resonate with PGA Tour fans. He has impressively been climbing the ranks with performances on the PGA Tour and abroad, with his admirable distance off the tee for his size. He finally won his maiden PGA Tour event at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open.

Why a big miss: His powerful game and growing confidence could have produced fireworks in the Playoffs. Fans will miss his relatable behaviour and excitement in the remaining 2025 events.

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