Five key structural changes about '09 FedExCup

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The PGA TOUR has announced its latest changes concerning the points structure of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Here are five key structural changes

1. The Regular Season is important because points carry through until THE TOUR Championship.

The Regular Season is vital to determining who will be in THE TOUR Championship. Because there is no reset until THE TOUR Championship, Regular Season points carry through, and we expect that at least 20 of the top 30 seeds going into the Playoffs will make it through to THE TOUR Championship, joined by 5 to 10 players who have had great Playoffs performances. Players will not drop as precipitously as last year, particularly those highest in the points standings.

Related links

Policy Board approves changes
Here's how changes will work
Five key structural changes
Answers to your questions
Regular-season points chart
Playoffs points chart
TOUR Champ. reset pts. chart
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Q/A: Commissioner's reaction
Audio: Finchem explains

2. The Playoffs are important because points are quintupled, making possible big moves to the top of the standings.

With quintuple points awarded in Playoff events, the Playoffs will be a critical factor in who is in best contention to win the FedExCup. Any player who wins a Playoff event will be in great position going into THE TOUR Championship, and other top finishers in the first three events will definitely make THE TOUR Championship field with a chance to win the FedExCup in Atlanta.

3. THE TOUR Championship will be more dramatic and exciting because it will decide the FedExCup.

The reset prior to THE TOUR Championship ensures that all 30 players have a mathematical chance to win the FedExCup with a win at THE TOUR Championship. The top 10 seeds have an excellent chance and the top five seeds will win the FedExCup outright with a win at THE TOUR Championship.

4. Winning the FedExCup will be a significant achievement in golf because it's not just about winning one event.

No single victory -- even a TOUR Championship victory -- can earn a player the FedExCup. To win the FedExCup, a player must build on an excellent Regular Season or an excellent Playoff performance, or both. Because only the top five seeds control their own destiny at THE TOUR Championship, "squeaking" into THE TOUR Championship and winning it will probably not suffice to win the FedExCup. There may be several paths to the goal of hoisting the FedExCup, but all of those paths require great performances in multiple venues over an extended period of time.

5. The FedExCup structure is simpler to understand for players and fans.

Regular Season events are worth 500 points to the winner. Playoff events are worth 2,500 points to the winner -- quintuple Regular Season points. All points carry through until THE TOUR Championship, where points are reset to ensure that all 30 players have a chance to win the FedExCup, the top 10 players have a good chance and the top five players control their own destiny -- a win at THE TOUR Championship will guarantee winning the FedExCup.

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