Rory McIlroy Leapfrogs Scottie Scheffler to Claim No. 1 Spot – As the summer season nears, golf enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the 2023 FedEx Cup Playoffs of the PGA Tour’s postseason competition. While major championships may have ended, players battle fiercely for positioning and supremacy on tour. The Power 18 Golf Rankings provide invaluable insights into players’ current form by considering recent performances and stroke-gained statistics; Rory McIlroy leads into these playoffs ahead of Scottie Scheffler; this article dives deeper into these rankings by highlighting standout performers as they head into these playoffs.
Rory McIlroy Leapfrogs Scottie Scheffler to Claim No. 1 Spot: The Power 18 Golf Rankings
1. Rory McIlroy
McIlroy made headlines this year after winning the 2023 Scottish Open and posting seven straight top-seven finishes, including second at the U.S. Open. Despite missing major championship victories this year, his remarkable consistency and impressive strokes-gained statistics propelled him to the top of the rankings. (Previous Rank: 2)
2. Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler has had an outstanding statistical season. His recent feats place him second overall. While he had collected seven consecutive top-five finishes before The Open, where his T23 finish exposed an issue in his putting. With impressive tee-to-green metrics and powerful overall performance. (Previous Rank: 1)
3. Jon Rahm
Rahm has shown his mettle this season with two straight top-10 finishes in major championships, featuring his impressive driving prowess as an asset. If he keeps this form up, he could become an unlikely candidate for the FedEx Cup crown. (Previous Rank: 4)
4. Viktor Hovland
Hovland continues to display impressive consistency but fell just short of winning one of four major championships once more at The Open, finishing T13. But his performances suggest a breakthrough could soon occur and so keep an eye out for Hovland as he vies to capture one of those four big ones in the coming years. (Previous Rank: 5)
5. Brooks Koepka
Koepka proved his return to form and cemented his place among elite golfers by qualifying for all four major championships, finishing third at LIV Golf Andalucia and top-20 at U.S. Open, respectively. Such consistent performance bodes well for future versions. (Previous Rank: 3)
6. Xander Schauffele
Schauffele’s 10-tournament top-25 streak ended at the Scottish Open after starting poorly, yet he rebounded with an excellent top-20 effort at The Open. Equipped with his best season ever regarding approach play and putting, Schauffele remains an effective contender to secure postseason victory. (Previous Rank: 9)
7. Rickie Fowler
Rickie Fowler was pleased with his results at The Open, placing inside the top 25 and showing signs of promise as an international golfer. A former FedEx Cup Playoffs winner, Fowler now hopes to claim another triumphant victory come postseason time. (Previous Rank: 8)
8. Cameron Smith
While his title defense at The Open was less than impressive, Smith remains special with eight consecutive top-12 finishes leading into major championships and his victory at LIV Golf London showing that his postseason potential remains intact. (Previous Rank: 6)
9. Brian Harman
Harman’s consistency paid off with an emphatic win at The Open, beating the field by six strokes to claim victory and seal his selection on the U.S. Ryder Cup team while setting him up well for postseason success. (Previous Rank: Not ranked)
10. Wyndham Clark
Following his stunning victory at the U.S. Open, Clark continued his strong performance by earning three consecutive top-35 finishes on the Tour. He’ll need an exceptional postseason showing to catch up to their leaders to compete for Player of the Year honors on tour. (Previous Rank: 7)
11. Tyrrell Hatton
Hatton moved early at the Scottish Open, signaling his intent to secure his second PGA Tour victory. Although he fell short, he continues to rank third in total strokes gained over the last three months, indicating his potential to clinch a win in the playoffs. (Previous Rank: 12)
12. Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood shares similar stats with McIlroy but has yet to win an international trophy. Although he led after the opening round at The Open, his difficulties on the final holes forced him into a T10 finish.
13. Patrick Cantlay
Having statistically mirrored his stellar 2021 season, Cantlay remains consistent but seeks more trophies. With six top-five finishes this year, including a disaster at The Open, Cantlay aims to regain his winning form during the FedEx Cup Playoffs. (Previous Rank: 10)
14. Sepp Straka
A two-week stretch saw Straka notch a win at the John Deere Classic and finish as runner-up at The Open, solidifying his place in the European Ryder Cup team. His chance for redemption awaits in the postseason, and he enters the playoffs inside the top 20.
15. Tom Kim
South Korean rising talent Tom Kim showcased his promise with top-10 finishes at the Scottish Open and The Open, both events hosted in Scotland. Even with an ankle injury forcing him out of defending his title at Wyndham Championship, Kim seems to have found his rhythm after an up-and-down spring and early summer campaign. (Previous Rank: Not ranked)
16. Hideki Matsuyama
Matsuyama has been consistent throughout 2023, boasting nine top-30 finishes in his last 11 starts, including strong showings at The Open, Travelers Championship, and Memorial Tournament. These results signal his potential success during postseason play.
17. Max Homa
Following missed cuts at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship, Homa rallied with a T21 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and solid showings at the Scottish Open and The Open, securing his first major top 10.
18. Jason Day
Returning to the winner’s circle at the Byron Nelson, Day solidified his position in the top 18 rankings. A runner-up finish at The Open marked a notable achievement, placing him well to qualify for the Tour Championship for the first time since 2018.
The stakes are high, and fans worldwide eagerly await the thrilling conclusion of the 2023 PGA Tour season in Canada.
