What an exciting 2014 PGA Season we have had so far!  I for one thought the majors were better than ever with Bubba getting his 2nd green jacket tailored in 3 years, Martin Kaymer decimating the field at Pinehurst achieving his 2nd major title, and Rory hosting his 2nd PGA Championship trophy, as well as his 1st Claret Jug.

How do we continue this excitement?  Well, the head honchos at the PGA Tour front office decided in 2007 that we need to ride this excitement well into the fall…

Now that the dust has settled from the “regular” season – all eyes are on the prize with a total of $67 million on the line over the four weeks of this grueling playoff competition.

In case you are unaware of how the FedEx Cup points system works, over the course of 43 competitive weeks, players are eligible to become the FedExCup Champion, which distinguishes not only the best “performing” player over the 39-week season, but also whomever continues his dominance through the pressure of the four-event FedExCup playoffs.

Winners circle: Some dude named Eldrick won the inaugural FedEexCup in 2007 and in 2009 – winning the $10-million top prize.  Others to hoist the trophy include Vijay in 2008, Furyk in 2010, Haas in 2011, Snedeker in 2012, and Henrik Stenson in 2013.

The Playoffs work off a progressive cut system which starts this season at The Barclays in New Jersey with 125 players, followed up the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston (100 players), and the BMW Championship in Denver (70 players).  It is at this point when a “reset” takes place and the top-30 players are seeded to compete in the Coca-Cola Championship in Atlanta this year.

Current standings as of this entry are relatively crowded for the top-5 with Rory in the lead at 2,582 points, Jimmy Walker with 2,493 points, Bubba with 2,173, Kuch with 1,921, and Furyk with 1,851.

Personally, I haven’t seen this much parity in golf in a long time. I really do not see a clear-cut winner over these next 4 events.  However, if I were to pick one player, I have to go with my gut instinct of Rory. Rarely does a player drive as long and accurate, as well as putt so consistently since 2000-esque Tiger.  To be honest I wasn’t sold on Rory when he switched from Titleist to Nike, and thought he would never come back and be “who he was.”  He is clearly becoming a strong ambassador to the game with his on-course set of skills and off-course swagger.

As for who will really give Rory a run for the money?  I would have to go with Phil, Sergio, and Rickie Fowler.  Those players, while outside the top-5 in FedEx Cup points standings right now, have performed quite well over the last few tournaments, specifically the majors when the pressure is high.  (See: final round of PGA Championship).

Who are your picks?  What do you think about these venues?  What do you not like about the FedExCup system?