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Michael Thompson already has playing privileges locked in for the 2021-22 season due to his 3M Open victory in 2020. But he’s looking outward when it comes to the FedExCup playoffs – and he has a reason very important to want to be part of the top 125.
“If I had to say I don’t think about it, I would be lying,” said Thompson. “I think it’s good to be able to count on a multi-year exemption; However, making the FedExCup playoffs guarantees me the THE PLAYERS Championship next year, so that’s basically what I play for.
Thompson, who started the No.128-ranked Wyndham Championship, shot a 64 Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club, which left him tied with Sung Kang, Chris Kirk, Scott Piercy, Hudson Swafford and Ted Potter Jr. for the second, two strokes behind the pace set by Russell Henley.
When darkness suspended play for the day (after a two-hour and seven-minute weather delay), Thompson had moved up to 97th place in the FedExCup’s expected rankings.
Staying patient was key on a hot and humid Thursday. Thompson started on the back and made four birdies in his first seven holes, but then bogeyed in the 18th. He bounced back with birdies at numbers 1 and 2, then nullified another bogey at number 4 with a 15-foot eagle at fifth.
The 64 was the Alabama graduate’s lowest on the TOUR as he shot the same score in the 3M Open first round a year ago.
“I feel like I’m hitting the ball well enough to give myself a shot at winning this tournament as well,” said Thompson. “As long as I stay positive, stay hydrated, keep my energy level, and keep believing, I think I’m going to have a good opportunity on Sunday.”
REMARKS: Rickie Fowler, who finished 130th in the week, hasn’t missed the FedExCup playoffs in his previous 11 seasons on the PGA TOUR. A 71 round on Thursday didn’t help, leaving him thrown out in 132nd place when play was suspended due to darkness. … A closing bogey after the late rain knocked Tommy Fleetwood back out of the top 125. He had just won No. 15 and birdieed in the 16th to gain momentum in a round of 66. ” I had a great putt, I really thought I pulled it off, but overall a good start to the tournament, ”said Fleetwood. He started the week at No.136 in FedExCup and is now screened at 129.… Adam Scott, who entered the week ranked No.121, Matt Kuchar (No.124), Bubba Watson (No.71), Brandt Snedeker (No. 93), Justin Rose (No. 138) and Ryan Moore (No. 142) have never missed the FedExCup Playoffs. … Scott gained some breathing space after a 66 left him thrown at No.116. “Obviously the season hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to, and I feel like I’m playing with the money from the house, ”Scott said. “I mean, I don’t really think about it, I’m more interested in putting my game in the shape that I think it should be, and it’s getting closer.” … Kuchar also took a positive step with a 66 which left him throwing No 118… Rose, who found out he had won the Payne Stewart Award on Wednesday, also drew 4 cents, but only won seven places in the projections. … Moore, who won the Wyndham Championship in 2009, lost ground after a round of 68 that left him thrown No.145.… Watson and Snedeker are comfortably in the 125 projections – Watson at No.71 and Snedeker, two-time Wyndham Championship winner, ranked 100th, although he dropped seven spots after Thursday’s 69 round. … Two players are expected to enter the top 150, which would give them conditional status on the TOUR for the 2021-22 season. Andrew Landry started the Wyndham Championship ranked 156th and placed 149th after a first round 65. Rafael Campos is on the bubble, moving a spot in the screenings after shooting 64.… Only one player, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, is expected to advance to summit 200, which would give him access to the final of the Korn Ferry Tour. He started the day 204th and was thrown 192nd after opening with a 66.
BULLE DES PLAYOFFS WATCH
Here are the players who were scheduled to get in and out of the top 125 when Thursday’s opening round at Sedgefield was put on hold due to darkness.
PROJECT IN
Scott piercy (126-91 expected) – Piercy, who scored his only top 10 of the season last week when he finished third in the Barracuda Championship on Sunday, made two Eagles in his round of 64. He is tied for second rank.
Michael thompson (128-97 expected) – Thompson had six birdies, an eagle and two bogeys shooting 64. This was his lowest score at Sedgefield in seven appearances.
PROJECTED
Ryan armor (122-126) – Armor couldn’t do anything on Thursday – realizing four bogeys, a double bogey and just two birdies in a round of 74.
Patrick rodgers (123-127 expected) – Rodgers will be back to complete his first round on Friday morning. It was 2 of 16 holes when play was suspended.
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