The FedEx Cup has a unique format for the Tour Championship that not all PGA Tour players like.
Last week at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler called it silly. While he started with the most strokes in the past two years, he has not been able to keep that lead.
However, for Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa, they like the format.
Hovland gave Scheffler some love and told his truth when he addressed the FedEx Cup format on Wednesday ahead of the BMW Championship.
He said it is “definitely not” a good way to determine the season-long champion.
“Scottie has earned to be Player of the Year because I don’t think anyone has sniffed his results this year,” Hovlanad said. “It is a playoff for a reason, and I think the Playoffs have been through a lot of different iterations, and I don’t know what works best.”
“I think we’ve got a pretty decent format. I think it works. Is it perfect? I wouldn’t say so. But I don’t know a better way you can do it, although I haven’t given it too much thought, to be honest with you.”
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy answered the question honestly and genuinely. Hovland admitted to not giving it much thought and kept his remarks short. He did not try to act like it was terrible or great. Instead, he gave the best answer he could.
It is likely hard to criticize the format as a defending champion, but Hovland’s explanation still felt appropriate.
Of course, PGA Tour players should express their opinions publicly, as it is a “player-led” tour, but will it change?
A lot about the playoffs and the schedule could change, but what will it take to make it different? Golf is changing, and maybe it is time to listen to these players.