Welcome to our live coverage of the 2025 BMW Championship, a key event in the FedExCup Playoffs. This tournament promises to deliver thrilling golf, especially after the nail-biting finale at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where veteran Justin Rose triumphed over reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun on the third playoff hole. The competitive field of 49 players features some of the biggest names in golf, including two-time champion Xander Schauffele and the marquee pairing of four-time major winner Scottie Scheffler alongside five-time major champion Rory McIlroy.
Rickie Fowler is making waves on the leaderboard, currently tied with Viktor Hovland at the top after carding four birdies on his last five holes. Despite a rocky start that saw him register two bogeys in his first three holes, Fowler has regained his momentum. His recent T6 finish at the St. Jude Championship has propelled him into the BMW Championship, where he is eager to continue his strong performance.
After a sluggish beginning, Rory McIlroy has bounced back, recording birdies on the last two holes to even his score. In contrast, Scottie Scheffler faced setbacks, carding bogeys on the last two holes, which removed him from the leaderboard's top spot. Known for his impressive putting this season, Scheffler's missed par putt on the 10th hole marked his second consecutive bogey, allowing Fowler and Hovland to share the lead.
As the marquee pairing took on the course, Scheffler began strong with a birdie on the first hole, while McIlroy recorded a par. Scheffler continued his momentum with a long birdie putt on the second hole. However, McIlroy struggled, bogeying the same hole. On the par-3 third, Scheffler narrowly missed another birdie, while McIlroy managed to sink his putt from nearly 11 feet, showcasing his resilience.
This year's BMW Championship at Caves Valley is shaping up to be a stiffer test than in 2021. The course has undergone significant changes, including firmer, faster greens and the transformation of two par 5s into long par 4s, creating a par 70 layout stretching over 7,600 yards. Although there are opportunities for birdies, as evidenced by J.T. Poston's impressive 2-under 33 on the front nine, the increased difficulty has resulted in varied performances across the field.
Xander Schauffele, currently at +3 and ranked 43rd in the FedEx Cup standings, has encountered multiple challenges. His attempts to gain relief from ground under repair were unsuccessful, leading to a bogey on the 5th hole. After another bogey on the 6th, Schauffele finds himself in a precarious position as he aims to qualify for next week's TOUR Championship.
In contrast, Michael Kim started his round with a birdie, capitalizing on his early opportunities. Schauffele, his playing partner, faced difficulties, carding multiple bogeys. Kim's consistent performance, including a second birdie on the par-3 third hole, has put him in a favorable position as the round progresses.
As the 2025 BMW Championship unfolds, stay tuned for live updates and insights on the performances of your favorite players. With thrilling competition and unexpected twists, this tournament is set to be an unforgettable event in the FedExCup Playoffs.
