Thomas takes 2nd and FedExCup
Xander Schauffele ended his rookie season by winning the Tour Championship by one shot Sunday in Atlanta while Justin Thomas, right, ended the best season with the FedExCup. Thomas’ runnerup finish capped his season of five victories that included his first major championship plus a $10 million bonus.
ATLANTA — Justin Thomas is the FedExCup champion, a surprise to no one who saw him power his way to scoring records, his first major at the PGA Championship and more PGA Tour victories than anyone this season. Standing next to him at the trophy ceremony was Xander Schauffele, who never imagined being at the Tour Championship.
Schauffele, a 23-year-old rookie from San Diego who was worried about keeping his card just over three months ago, capped off an amazing summer with four par saves on the back nine when he couldn't afford to drop a shot. He closed out his 2-under 68 by swirling in a 3-foot birdie putt for a one-shot victory over Thomas. Five shots behind to start the final round and needing to play well to have a shot at the FedExCup, he nearly won the Tour Championship with two late birdies, only for his 25-foot birdie on the 18th snap hard to the left in front of the cup. He shot a 66. Thomas won the $10 million bonus, along with second-place prize money of $945,000.
It was the first time in eight years that two players celebrated at East Lake. Tiger Woods won the FedExCup and Phil Mickelson won the Tour Championship in 2009.