How Does the FedEx Cup Fall Work? Breaking Down the PGA Tour’s New Fall Season

If you’ve been following the PGA TOUR lately, you’ve probably heard commentators mention the FedEx Cup Fall.

It’s the part of the schedule that happens after the Playoffs wrap up, but before the new season officially starts. Think of it as a “bonus stretch” of events with a whole lot on the line — especially for players fighting to keep their Tour cards.

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What is the FedEx Cup Fall?

Before the PGA TOUR changed its schedule, the “wraparound season” meant the new FedEx Cup calendar started in the fall. That’s no longer the case.

Now, the FedEx Cup season runs January through August, and the Fall is its own distinct series of tournaments played from September through November.

Who Plays in the Fall?

The big names who made it to the BMW Championship (Top 50 in FedEx points) are already set for next year’s signature events. They’re safe, so many of them take the Fall off or play selectively.

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The real drama comes from players ranked 51st and beyond.

This group uses the Fall to climb the standings, earn points, and try to secure their status for the next season.

Why the Fall Matters

• Keeping Your Card: Players must finish inside the Top 125 in FedEx Cup points by the end of the Fall to secure full PGA TOUR status for the following year.
• Conditional Status: Finish 126–150 and you’ll have limited playing opportunities (conditional status) in the new season.
• Playoff Hopes: Every point earned in the Fall carries over to the next year’s FedEx Cup, giving players a head start toward the Playoffs.
• Event Exemptions: Winners of Fall events still get the standard perks: a two-year PGA TOUR exemption, entry into THE PLAYERS Championship, and eligibility for The Masters.

The 2025 FedEx Cup Fall Schedule

The Bottom Line

For players hovering around the Top 125 bubble, these events can make or break careers. It’s where job security is earned, where rookies try to make a name for themselves, and where fans get a glimpse of hungry golfers battling for their future.

So next time you see a fall PGA TOUR event, remember: it’s not just “bonus golf.” It’s survival golf.

FAQ: FedEx Cup Fall Explained

Q: Do FedEx Cup Fall events count toward next year’s FedEx Cup?
Yes. Points earned in the Fall carry over into the next season, giving players a head start toward the playoffs.

Q: Do Fall winners still get Masters invites?
Absolutely. Winning a Fall event comes with the same perks as any full-field PGA TOUR win: a two-year exemption, entry to The Players, and a spot at the Masters.

Q: Why don’t the top 50 players always show up in the Fall?
Because they’ve already locked into next season’s Signature Events by finishing top 50 at the BMW. Many take the Fall off to rest or prep for the Majors.

Q: What happens if a player finishes 126–150 after the Fall?
That’s conditional status. It means they aren’t guaranteed entry to events but may get into weaker fields, plus they can rely on sponsor exemptions or Monday qualifying.

Q: Is there a “winner” of the FedEx Cup Fall?
No, it’s not a separate competition like the Playoffs. It’s just a series of standalone events where points and cards are on the line.