After a resounding defeat in Rome, the American Ryder Cup team is returning to home soil with a singular mission: to reclaim the Cup. The stage for this high-stakes showdown is Bethpage Black, a course known for its punishing difficulty and a boisterous, passionate New York crowd. Led by captain Keegan Bradley, the 2025 US team is a blend of world-class talent and new faces, all with the weight of recent history on their shoulders. But what are their chances of success?

The stage is set at Caves Valley Golf Club for the 2025 BMW Championship, where the PGA Tour's best are battling for a spot in the season-ending TOUR Championship. With the field of 70 from the FedEx St. Jude Championship now whittled down to 50, the stakes couldn't be higher. Every shot this week will have a direct impact on who gets to compete for the ultimate prize next week in Atlanta.

The storylines heading into Caves Valley are as compelling as the competition itself. At the top of the FedExCup standings, Scottie Scheffler remains the man to beat. The world No. 1 and four-time major champion has been a model of consistency, and his T3 finish in Memphis only extended his lead. Scheffler hasn't finished outside the top 10 since March, and with his relentless ball-striking, he's the heavy favorite to win the FedExCup.

While Scheffler has been a constant presence, the first playoff event provided a dramatic shift for others. Justin Rose, with his impressive playoff victory over J.J. Spaun, jumped 21 spots to No. 4 in the standings. Rose's win not only secured his place in the TOUR Championship for the first time since 2019 but also makes him a player with significant momentum heading into this week. Spaun, despite the loss, also saw a massive leap, moving to No. 3 in the standings and solidifying his position as a contender.

The pressure is immense for those on the bubble of the top 30. The final few spots in the FedExCup standings are a mad scramble, with players like Lucas Glover, Sam Stevens, and Ryan Gerard teetering on the edge. Glover, currently sitting at No. 30, holds a slim lead over his closest competitors. A strong performance is crucial for these players to secure their place in the TOUR Championship and extend their season.

Tommy Fleetwood is another player to watch. He held a 54-hole lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship before faltering down the stretch, a familiar narrative for the talented Englishman. Despite his remarkable consistency and numerous top-five finishes this season, a win on the PGA Tour remains elusive. The mental hurdle is real, and the golf world will be watching to see if he can finally break through this week.

This tournament also marks the return of Rory McIlroy, who opted to rest after his impressive run of form. The world No. 2 still sits at No. 2 in the FedExCup standings and will be looking to pick up where he left off. A win at Caves Valley, where he finished fourth in 2021, could put him in a prime position to challenge Scheffler for the FedExCup title.

Beyond the FedExCup race, the Ryder Cup is also a major theme. Captain Keegan Bradley is defending his BMW Championship title and vying for a spot as a playing captain. Players on the bubble for the U.S. and European teams will be looking to make a statement with a strong finish.

The BMW Championship is more than just a tournament; it's a high-stakes drama where careers can be defined and seasons can be saved. With the unique format and the pressure of a limited field, Caves Valley will provide the ultimate test for these elite golfers.

This week, the PGA TOUR's best golfers converge on TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the opening act of the 2025 FedExCup Playoffs. The regular season is officially in the rearview mirror, and the top 70 players have earned their spot in this elite field, with their eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize.