The 2024 Wyndham Championship is set to tee off at the historic Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, from August 8-11. This storied tournament, a staple on the PGA Tour, promises another thrilling chapter in its rich history.
Sedgefield, a par-70 course, stretches 7,131 yards, challenging players with its strategic layout and demanding greens. As the final event before the FedEx Cup Playoffs, the Wyndham Championship holds a significant place on the calendar, offering a total purse of $7.9 million, with $1,422,000 awarded to the winner.
Sedgefield Country Club has been a mainstay on the PGA Tour since its inception in 1938. Known for its classic Donald Ross design, the course has hosted numerous memorable moments in golf history. The layout features a mix of challenging par 4s, particularly the closing 18th hole, a 507-yard par 4 known for its difficulty and potential for dramatic finishes.
With an average green size of 6,000 square feet, players will need to bring their best putting game to navigate the subtle breaks and undulations of the Bermudagrass surfaces.
The Wyndham Championship’s timing in early August typically brings warm and humid conditions to Greensboro. However, the 2024 edition could see some additional challenges from Mother Nature. With Hurricane Debby approaching the Carolinas, forecasts predict heavy rain and stormy weather throughout the tournament days.
Sedgefield has already received two inches of rain in the past ten days, and an additional two to four inches are expected, which could significantly impact course conditions and play strategies.
Wyndham Championship: Weather and Course Condition
Course conditions at Sedgefield Country Club are anticipated to be softer than usual due to the expected rain, making the greens more receptive but potentially increasing the difficulty of navigating the rough. The combination of wet conditions and Bermudagrass greens will emphasize accuracy off the tee and precise approach shots.
Players who can keep their drives in the fairway will have a distinct advantage, as the ability to clean the ball will come into play. The projected winds, with sustained speeds of 16-18 mph and gusts over 20 mph, will further test the players’ control and shot-making abilities.
The weather forecast suggests that rainy storms could persist through the Wyndham Championship, adding an unpredictable element to the competition. Such conditions will favor players who excel in wet, sloppy conditions, as the softer greens will allow for aggressive approach shots and easier stopping power.
Historically, Sedgefield has been known as one of the easier courses on the PGA Tour for approach shots, and this trend is expected to continue, even with the added challenge of adverse weather.
The Field
The field for the 2024 Wyndham Championship, while lacking some of the top-ranked players who are resting ahead of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, is still packed with talent. Notable entrants include Sungjae Im, Jordan Spieth, and Shane Lowry.
Sungjae Im, the highest-ranked player in the field and a favorite to win, has consistently performed well at the Wyndham Championship. Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion, returns to Sedgefield for the first time since 2020, aiming to secure his spot in the playoffs.
Defending champion Lucas Glover will be back to defend his title, hoping to replicate the form that saw him triumph last year. Other past winners in the field include Si Woo Kim, JT Poston, and Kevin Kisner, all of whom have demonstrated their ability to navigate the unique challenges of Sedgefield.
The tournament also provides a crucial opportunity for players on the bubble of the FedEx Cup standings to secure their spots in the top 70 and advance to the playoffs.
With the FedEx Cup Playoffs on the horizon, every shot will count at the Wyndham Championship. The top 70 players in the standings after this event will move on to the St. Jude FedEx Cup Championship in Memphis, making this week a high-stakes affair for many in the field.
The dynamic leaderboard and potential for upsets, combined with the challenging weather conditions, promise to make the 2024 Wyndham Championship a must-watch event for golf fans.
Expert and Sleeper Picks
Expert Picks:
Sungjae Im (14-1):Im’s current form and strong course history make him a top contender this week. After a sluggish spring, the South Korean has found his stride with nine top-15 finishes in his last 11 worldwide starts.
Despite struggling in major championships — missing the cut at the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open — he made a notable comeback with a T4 at the Scottish Open and a T7 at The Open. Im has consistently performed well at Sedgefield Country Club, securing five top 25s in his five visits. He appears ready to capture his first PGA Tour win since Fall 2021.
Shane Lowry (22-1): Lowry is in a strong position to qualify for the Tour Championship for the first time in his career after missing the postseason in 2023. A late surge in the final three major championships, including finishes of T6, T19, and solo sixth at The Open, has revitalized his game.
His win alongside Rory McIlroy at the Zurich Classic was a turning point, and he has been striking the ball exceptionally well over the last month. Lowry’s putting has also improved, setting the stage for a successful run.
Sleeper Picks:
Eric Cole (70-1): Cole just finished sixth at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and seventh at the John Deere Classic. The 2023 Rookie of the Year struggled early in 2024 but has found his form again at familiar venues. Last year, Cole finished 14th at Wyndham Championship and then secured four top 5s in seven starts.
This course suits his game by putting less pressure on his driver and allowing his wedge and putter to shine. His proficiency on Bermudagrass and strong scrambling ability will boost his confidence in these conditions, making him a strong contender for a top 20 finish.
Alex Smalley (100-1): In the FedExCup era (2007-present), the Wyndham Championship has produced eight breakthrough winners, and Smalley could be the ninth. Sedgefield Country Club holds special significance for him, as he received a sponsor exemption in 2021 and finished T29, which helped him earn his PGA TOUR card.
Now, positioned at 128th in the FedExCup standings, Smalley needs a win to secure a spot in the Playoffs. Living locally, he’s familiar with the course and conditions, making this the perfect stage for a breakthrough performance.
This article first appeared on Almost Average Golf and was syndicated with permission.
