The Battle for Survival: PGA TOUR's FedExCup Fall Unveils Rising Stars and Falling Giants
As the FedExCup Fall reaches its midway point, the pressure is on for many PGA TOUR players. With only four events left, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. This seven-event session is a make-or-break moment for those without guaranteed status beyond this season. Only the top 100 players will secure their place for 2026, leaving the rest to fight for their careers.
Let's dive into the world of golf and explore the risers and fallers of this intense competition, and uncover the stories behind their journeys.
Risers
Garrick Higgo: The Rising Star
Garrick Higgo has been on fire during the FedExCup Fall, solidifying his status for 2026 and setting himself up for a breakthrough. Higgo's impressive run includes a tie for seventh at the Procore Championship, a runner-up finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship, and a tied fourth at the Baycurrent Classic. This consistent performance has rocketed him from 99th to 57th in the FedExCup rankings.
But here's where it gets controversial... Higgo is the only golfer currently in the top-60 who wasn't there at the start of the Fall. If he can maintain this position, he could follow in the footsteps of Ludvig Åberg (2023) and Maverick McNealy (2024), who both used their top-60 ranking to propel their careers to new heights.
Steven Fisk: The Rookie Sensation
Steven Fisk, the man who defeated Higgo at the Sanderson Farms, is another riser worth noting. Fisk, who was initially outside the top-100 bubble, has earned his maiden victory at Jackson Country Club, jumping to 65th in the rankings. While superstars like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele took the spotlight in other fall events, Fisk represents the underdog story. With just one other top-10 finish in 22 events, his career-changing victory showcases the beauty of the fall season, where everyone gets a chance to shine.
Michael Thorbjornsen: Finding His Groove
Michael Thorbjornsen, the former world amateur No. 1, is finally finding his comfort zone at the perfect time. After finishing T13 at the Procore Championship and contending at the Baycurrent Classic (solo-third), Thorbjornsen has secured his card for another year. Since earning his TOUR card straight from college through PGA TOUR University, Thorbjornsen has shown glimpses of his elite talent, but now he's shedding the rollercoaster label.
Thorbjornsen has missed only one cut since April, with four top-five finishes during this stretch. The fall season has been a continuation of his great play, and with his card secured for 2026, he's a strong candidate to make a significant leap, potentially with a win this fall or early next season.
Rico Hoey: The Ball-Striking Sensation
Rico Hoey, a 30-year-old Filipino, has become one of the most impressive ball-strikers on the PGA TOUR. However, until this fall, his putting let him down. Hoey's switch to a long putter ahead of the Procore Championship seems to have paid off, improving his chances of job security.
Hoey's recent performances, including a T9 finish at the Procore and a T4 at the Baycurrent, have pushed him above the crucial top-100 bubble, moving from 106th to 91st. With four events left, Hoey isn't entirely safe, but if he continues this form, he'll secure another year on TOUR and potentially find a long-lasting solution on the greens.
Fallers
Joel Dahmen: A Stressful Start
Joel Dahmen's fall has been a challenging one. After narrowly avoiding a stressful fall last year, Dahmen is now outside the top-100 bubble. Dahmen began the fall at No. 93 but missed the cut in his first two events and finished T69 in the Baycurrent Classic. He's now 103rd in the FedExCup Fall, missing the cut in nine of his last 14 events dating back to April.
Stephen Jaeger: The Unfortunate Fall
With Higgo's rise, Stephen Jaeger finds himself in an unfortunate position. He's the only player inside the top-60 at the start of the fall who has fallen out. Jaeger has only played once this fall, finishing T44 at the Sanderson Farms, but his game hasn't fallen off. If Jaeger doesn't prioritize the remaining fall schedule, he might miss out on the first few Signature Events of 2026.
Tom Kim: Stagnation as Falling
Tom Kim's story is an interesting one. While he technically doesn't qualify as a faller, he's also not a riser, which is a concern. Kim began the FedExCup at No. 94 and, after three events, he's still there. Although his card is locked up through 2026, Kim expected to use the fall to push for the top-60. His stagnation might as well be considered a fall, as it's not the progress he envisioned.
As the FedExCup Fall unfolds, these players' stories will continue to develop. Who will rise to the top, and who will fall further? The remaining four events will be crucial in determining their fates. Stay tuned, golf enthusiasts, as the drama unfolds!
