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Rickie Fowler Returns to PGA Tour for FedEx Cup Points Hunt at Sanderson Farms Championship
After a three-month hiatus, Rickie Fowler is back on the PGA Tour, kicking off his October in Mississippi with the Sanderson Farms Championship. Fowler, who last played at the Open Championship in July, has been away from the competition while spending time with his family in Florida following the birth of his child. Now, his focus shifts to the FedEx Cup Fall schedule, where he aims to secure valuable points and improve his standing for the 2024 season.
The revamped fall schedule, introduced last year, gives players like Fowler a crucial chance to qualify for next year’s marquee events. Currently ranked 110th in the FedEx Cup standings, Fowler has at least two more tournaments on his fall slate as he looks to climb higher. Alongside Fowler, the Sanderson Farms Championship features a packed field of players, all vying to solidify their status for the 2025 season.
Event Details: Sanderson Farms Championship
- Location: Jackson, Miss. (Sept. 30 – Oct. 6)
- Course: The Country Club of Jackson (Par 72, 7,461 Yards)
- Purse: $7.6 million (Winner’s Share: $1.368 million)
- Defending Champion: Luke List
- FedEx Cup Champion: Scottie Scheffler
Where to Watch
- TV Coverage (Golf Channel):
- Thursday: 4-7 p.m.
- Friday: 4-7:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 4-7 p.m.
- Sunday: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- Streaming (ESPN+):
- Thursday & Friday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
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Key Prop Picks
- Mackenzie Hughes to Beat Maverick McNealy (-110 at DraftKings):
Hughes has momentum, despite losing his Sunday singles match at the Presidents Cup. He dominated the Friday Foursomes alongside Corey Conners, and he’s a former winner of this event. McNealy, on the other hand, has missed the cut in three of his last six starts, making Hughes a strong pick. - Davis Riley Top 20 Finish (+400 at BetRivers):
Mississippi native Davis Riley returns home with plenty of local support. Although his recent form hasn’t been stellar, he remains one of the most accomplished players in the field. Look for him to find a groove on familiar turf. - Patrick Fishburn to Beat Eric Cole (-140 at DraftKings):
Fishburn has been quietly impressive, with three top-10 finishes in his last four starts. Despite Cole being the reigning Rookie of the Year, Fishburn enters with stronger recent form and a solid chance to come out on top.
Best Bets
- Nick Dunlap (+2000 at DraftKings):
Dunlap is the only two-time winner in the 2024 season among this week’s field. Already exempt for next year’s signature events, he leads the money backing at BetMGM, with odds shortening from +2800 to +2500. - Seamus Power (+2500):
After a T26 at the Irish Open and a strong showing in the first leg of the playoffs, Power is in good form and could be a threat this week. - Mackenzie Hughes (+2800):
A past champion of the Sanderson Farms Championship, Hughes comes off a strong Presidents Cup appearance and knows how to handle the course. - Harris English (+5000):
Though he missed the cut at the Procore, English is a five-time PGA Tour winner looking for his first title since 2021. At these odds, he’s a sleeper pick worth considering. - Davis Riley (+9000):
Coming off a near-miss for the playoffs, Riley has home-state advantage and the talent to contend, having already won the Charles Schwab Challenge this year.
Storylines to Watch
Korn Ferry Tour Standout Matt McCarty:
McCarty makes his PGA Tour debut this week after earning his membership by winning three Korn Ferry Tour events. He’s a player to watch as he takes on a new level of competition.
FedEx Cup Fall Schedule:
This tournament marks the second of eight events in the FedEx Cup Fall series, which helps determine the top 125 players who will retain their status for the 2025 season. Players ranked 126-150 after the fall will retain conditional status, while those within the top 70 have already secured their Tour cards and are competing for coveted spots in next year’s signature events.
Rickie Fowler’s Return:
Fowler, now a father, tees up for the first time since his 71st-place finish at The Open Championship. Currently 110th in the standings, Fowler is competing in the Sanderson Farms Championship with plans to participate in the Shriners Children’s Open and the Zozo Championship as he pushes for better positioning.
Defending Champion Luke List:
Luke List returns to defend his title and hopes to become the first player to successfully defend at the Sanderson Farms Championship. A win would place him in an elite group with two-time winners Fred Funk and Brian Henninger.