The PGA TOUR season is at a pivotal point, with the halfway mark now passed and the pressure mounting for players to secure their postseason spots. Among the stars who have underperformed, a few stand out as needing a strong second half to make their mark. Here's a closer look at three players who must improve their game to secure their place in the playoffs and beyond.
Keegan Bradley: The Comeback Story
Keegan Bradley, ranked 76th in the FedExCup, is on a mission to reclaim his form. After a post-Ryder Cup slump, Bradley has been working hard to turn his fortunes around. His recent performance at the RBC Heritage, where he tied for 12th, is a testament to his resilience. Bradley's putting and approach play have been his Achilles' heel, ranking 135th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 101st in SG: Putting. However, his recent improvement in these areas, as he himself acknowledges, bodes well for a turnaround. With just one good week needed to turn his fortunes, Bradley's comeback story is far from over.
Sungjae Im: Patience is Key
Sungjae Im, ranked 104th in the FedExCup, has been working his way back from a wrist injury that sidelined him for the start of the year. This journey back to form takes time, and Im's recent performances haven't been stellar. While he finished fourth at the Valspar Championship, his overall season has been a struggle. Im's consistency as an International Team member in the Presidents Cup since 2019 makes his current form all the more intriguing. With patience and continued hard work, Im could soon rediscover his premier ball-striking abilities, which have been elusive this year.
Tony Finau: The Opportunity Awaits
Tony Finau, ranked 78th in the FedExCup, is in a unique position. With no top 10 finishes this season, Finau is on the cusp of missing the postseason for the first time in his career. The 36-year-old's last top 10 was at the 2025 The Genesis Invitational. Finau's struggle to capitalize on his opportunities is a concern, especially with the PGA Championship on the horizon. His ranking of 117th in the Official World Golf Ranking and lack of exemption for major championships add to the challenge. Finau's ability to turn it around at Quail Hollow Club will be pivotal in securing his postseason berth.
Viktor Hovland: The Bar is Set High
Viktor Hovland, ranked 60th in the FedExCup, has had a solid but unspectacular season. With four top 25s in nine events, Hovland's performance falls short of his own high standards. His best finish, a T10 at the WM Phoenix Open, highlights the inconsistency in his game. Hovland's struggle with his driver early in the season led to adjustments, and his recent form off the tee has been well above average. If this trend continues, top results will inevitably follow, but for now, Hovland must raise his game to meet his own expectations.
Wyndham Clark: Signs of Improvement
Wyndham Clark, ranked 72nd in the FedExCup, has shown signs of improvement in his last three starts, finishing T21-T16-T20. However, his absence from the Truist Championship and Cadillac Championship is a mystery. Clark's performance off the tee, ranking outside the top 100, is an area that needs improvement. With a clean bill of health, Clark's recent gains in strokes gained across the board at the Masters suggest a promising trajectory. His U.S. Open championship win further underscores his potential to turn his season around.
In conclusion, the PGA TOUR season is a testament to the ebb and flow of form and fortune. These three players, each with their own unique challenges, must rise to the occasion in the second half of the season. Their journeys will be watched closely by fans and fellow players alike, as the pursuit of postseason glory intensifies.
