Jordan Spieth’s bogey-bogey BMW Championship finish puts Tour Championship in serious jeopardy

Jordan Spieth’s performance at the BMW Championship took an unexpected turn as he struggled to maintain a strong finish. The 30-year-old golfer, a former Texas Longhorn, recorded a 1-over 71 on Sunday, a score that might not appear overly concerning but holds potentially significant consequences for his season.

Spieth’s participation in the upcoming Tour Championship in Atlanta hangs in the balance, as he finds himself hovering between the 29th and 30th positions on the FedEx Cup rankings. His fluctuating status places him precariously on the tournament’s bubble, where a few strokes could determine whether he secures a spot or misses out.

For a seasoned professional who turned pro in 2013, failing to qualify for the Tour Championship would mark only the third instance of such an occurrence. The implications of his bogey-bogey finish are evident, with a few pars potentially granting him the much-needed entry into the championship. Unfortunately, Spieth’s round consisted of four birdies, three bogeys, and a double, leaving him in a vulnerable position.

The uncertainty isn’t limited to Spieth alone. Sepp Straka, a former Georgia Bulldog, shares a similar predicament. Projected to be in the 30th spot on the FedEx Cup rankings, Straka’s final-round 66 nudged him to 2-over for the tournament. However, a last-minute bogey on the 18th hole could mean he misses the cut, an outcome he acknowledged as being “pretty costly.”

Both Spieth and Straka, among other bubble players, face an anxiety-inducing waiting game as the tournament unfolds. The shifting rankings will undoubtedly keep them on edge, their fortunes swaying with every stroke made by their fellow competitors.

This pivotal juncture in the FedEx Cup playoffs illustrates the intense pressure that accompanies the pursuit of a coveted Tour Championship spot. As Spieth, Straka, and others brace themselves for the tournament’s outcome, the golfing world remains captivated by the dramatic twists and turns that define professional competition.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a dedicated golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through, offering comprehensive coverage of the sport. Follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and on Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports for the latest updates. Don’t forget to explore @_PlayingThrough for additional golf insights and stories.