Even after the FedEx Cup Playoffs crown a champion each summer, the PGA TOUR season isn’t truly over. For dozens of players, the most critical stretch of their year comes later—in the form of the FedEx Cup Fall Series.
This seven-event series, starting with the Procore Championship (Sept. 8-14), not only keeps the competitive spirit alive well into the fall months, but it also determines players’ futures heading into the 2026 season. Careers are made, TOUR cards are saved, and hungry newcomers fight to establish themselves on golf’s biggest stage.
Here’s everything you need to know about the FedEx Cup Fall Series—what it is, why it matters, and who to watch.
What is the FedEx Cup Fall Series?
The FedEx Cup Fall Series is a high-stakes, post-Playoffs segment of the PGA TOUR season designed for players who finish outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings. This series gives players ranked 51 and below another opportunity to improve their position, secure full PGA TOUR status, and lock in exemptions for the following year.
For players on the bubble, every stroke matters as they fight to secure their cards and improve their priority for the 2026 season. With the PGA Tour reducing available cards from 125 to 100 starting in 2026, each event is more critical than ever.
History & Evolution of the Fall Series
The FedEx Cup Fall Series as we know it today was introduced in 2023, following the PGA TOUR’s shift away from the wraparound season format. Previously, the TOUR season flowed continuously into the next calendar year in a wraparound format, with fall events often seen as lower-profile.
The change was designed to give top-50 players an offseason while keeping competitive, meaningful golf on the schedule for those still fighting for their place. Since its debut, the Fall Series has grown in importance and in intensity.
Fields have become deeper, players have embraced the urgency, and fans have come to recognize this stretch as a thrilling, high-pressure finish to the calendar year. For many players, these seven weeks have become just as vital as the regular season, offering a lifeline for some and a springboard for others.
Photo credit: Tour Championship
Tournament Locations & Formats
This seven-event stretch features premier courses across the U.S. and beyond, including:
- Procore Championship: September 11–14 (Napa, CA)
- Sanderson Farms Championship: October 2–5 (Jackson, MS)
- Baycurrent Classic: October 9–12 (Yokohama, Japan)
- Bank of Utah Championship: October 23–26 (Ivins, UT)
- World Wide Technology Championship: November 6–9 (Los Cabos, Mexico)
- Butterfield Bermuda Championship: November 13–16 (Southampton, Bermuda)
- RSM Classic: November 20–23 (St. Simons Island, GA)
The Fall Series showcases fresh venues and gives lesser-known players a chance to shine and make their mark. With the Ryder Cup in late September and a few smaller events in December (like the PNC Championship), it gives golf fans something to look forward to almost every weekend.
Storylines to Watch
The FedEx Cup Fall Series consistently delivers some of the most compelling storylines of the season. It’s where rising stars try to secure their place among the game’s elite, and where veterans battle to hang on to their careers.
For up-and-comers, this stretch is a chance to prove they belong, showcasing their talent on big stages and earning full-time PGA TOUR status. Players fresh off the Korn Ferry Tour often use the Fall Series to make an early impression and climb the priority list for the following year. A win here can give a player a much-needed boost and exemptions for the following season.
On the other end of the spectrum, seasoned pros who have battled injuries, slumps, or simply fallen outside the top 50 come into the Fall Series with something to prove. For many, it’s their last chance to avoid a trip to Q-School or the Korn Ferry Finals.
There are also unforgettable comebacks to watch for—players who resurrect their careers with clutch performances under immense pressure. The Fall Series rewards resilience, grit, and focus, making it must-watch golf even after the Playoffs conclude.
How Points Are Calculated & What’s at Stake
Points earned in the Fall Series count toward the FedEx Cup and set players’ priority for the 2026 PGA TOUR season. Finishing inside the top 100 secures full status and better scheduling, while those ranked 101–125 drop to conditional status with limited starts and sponsor invites. Everyone is chasing that top 100 for job security.
Strong fall play can also unlock spots in select high-profile events, improve entry into invitationals, and solidify a player’s place on Tour. For players on the bubble, every shot counts—one birdie could mean the difference between keeping a card or heading back to Q-School.
For fans, that high-stakes drama makes the Fall Series some of the most compelling golf of the year.
Players Who Have Benefitted from the Fall Series
Over the years, the Fall Series has been a launching pad for some players and a career-saver for others. Seamus Power had a career-changing Fall in 2022 where he won the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in October, then followed it up with a top-5 at the World Wide Technology Championship the very next week. That stretch vaulted him into the top 30 of the FedExCup standings and secured an invitation to the 2023 Masters — a huge leap forward in his career trajectory.
Adam Svensson is another example of a golfer who used a breakout fall in 2022 to catapult himself into contention the following season, winning the RSM Classic to secure his first PGA TOUR title and earning spots in signature events and majors that elevated his career trajectory.
Young players fresh off the Korn Ferry Tour often make their first big splash in these events, gaining confidence and momentum that carries into the next year. Meanwhile, veterans have used the Fall Series to prove they still belong, grinding out top finishes when it mattered most to avoid losing their status.
For fans, these performances serve as a reminder that some of the most inspiring moments in golf happen outside the bright lights of the Playoffs or majors.
High Stakes this Fall
The FedEx Cup Fall Series proves that the PGA TOUR season doesn’t really end with the Playoffs.
For many players, it’s just the beginning of their fight to secure a future in professional golf. Every shot counts, and the emotional stakes are high—making it some of the most authentic and relatable golf on the schedule.
With storylines full of grit, pressure-packed performances, and emerging stars, these events are a must-watch for any golf fan. If you love seeing who thrives when the stakes are highest, the Fall Series is where you’ll find it.
Whether you’re pulling for a comeback, rooting for a rookie, or just enjoying competitive golf deep into the fall, this series delivers—year after year.
