BMW Championship 2026: Live Leaderboard, Big Movers & FedEx Cup Stakes
BMW Championship 2026 Highlights: All the Best Shots from St. Louis
Quick Summary: The 2026 BMW Championship in St. Louis delivered some jaw-dropping moments! From clutch putts to incredible approach shots, here’s everything you need to know about the tournament’s best highlights — explained simply.
What Is the BMW Championship?
Think of the BMW Championship like the semi-finals of a major golf playoff. It’s one of the final tournaments in the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, where only the top 50 players qualify. The 2026 edition took place in St. Louis, Missouri, and the highlights below show why this event is must-watch golf.
Top 6 Highlights You Can’t Miss
Here are the six most exciting moments from the tournament, listed with the most recent first:
1. Collin Morikawa’s Ice-Cold Putt on No. 17 Just Now
- What happened: Morikawa calmly rolled in a 10-foot putt for birdie on the 17th hole.
- Why it matters: That’s a pressure-packed putt — 10 feet is just long enough to miss, but short enough that pros expect to make it. He didn’t flinch.
2. Si Woo Kim’s Clutch 11-Footer on No. 12 16 Minutes Ago
- What happened: Kim drained an 11-foot birdie putt on the 12th hole.
- Why it matters: Another nervy mid-range putt. Making these separates contenders from pretenders.
3. Gary Woodland’s Monster Two-Shot Birdie on No. 17 19 Minutes Ago
- What happened: On a par-5 (a hole where 5 strokes is "par"), Woodland hit the green in just two shots — then made birdie.
- Why it matters: Reaching a par-5 in two is rare and requires massive power + precision. It’s like hitting a home run and stealing home in the same play.
4. Si Woo Kim’s Laser Approach on No. 11 19 Minutes Ago
- What happened: From 84 yards out, Kim stuck his approach shot close to the hole, setting up an easy birdie.
- Why it matters: 84 yards is a "wedge distance" — pros should hit it close, but doing it under pressure? Chef’s kiss.
5. Cameron Young’s 120-Yard Dart on No. 11 Recent
- What happened: Young hit a 120-yard approach to tap-in range on the same hole (No. 11).
- Why it matters: 120 yards is a full wedge shot. Controlling distance and direction from there is elite-level skill.
6. Sam Burns’ Scrambling Magic on No. 12 Recent
- What happened: Burns missed the green but got up-and-down from 107 yards — meaning he chipped it close and made the putt for birdie.
- Why it matters: "Up-and-down" = saving par (or making birdie) after missing the green. Doing it from 107 yards? That’s short-game wizardry.
Golf Terms Made Simple (ELI5 Glossary)
| Term | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Birdie | One stroke under par for the hole. (Par = expected strokes) |
| Par-5 | A long hole where 5 strokes is the standard. |
| Approach Shot | The shot you hit toward the green (usually from 100+ yards out). |
| Up-and-Down | Missing the green, but chipping + putting to save the hole in 2 strokes. |
| Green | The super-short grass around the hole where you putt. |
Why These Holes Matter: No. 11, 12 & 17
Important Callout: Three holes — 11, 12, and 17 — showed up repeatedly in the highlights. That’s no accident.
- No. 11 & 12: Likely a risk-reward stretch — reachable par-4s or short par-5s where aggressive play pays off.
- No. 17: A par-5 (Woodland reached in two) and a key putting hole (Morikawa’s 10-footer). Late-round drama central!
Pro Tip: When watching golf, pay attention to which holes keep appearing in highlights — they’re usually the "decision holes" where tournaments are won or lost.
Summary: What We Learned
- Putting wins tournaments — Morikawa and Kim proved clutch putting on 10–11 footers.
- Power + precision = birdie chances — Woodland’s two-shot par-5, Young’s 120-yard dart.
- Short game saves rounds — Burns’ 107-yard up-and-down shows why chipping matters.
- Si Woo Kim was on fire — Two highlights in 19 minutes? He was dialed in.
- St. Louis delivered drama — The BMW Championship lived up to its playoff billing.
FAQ: Your BMW Championship Questions Answered
1. When and where was the 2026 BMW Championship held?
It took place in St. Louis, Missouri in 2026 as part of the PGA TOUR FedEx Cup Playoffs.
2. Who can play in the BMW Championship?
Only the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualify — it’s an exclusive, no-cut event.
3. What does "reaching a par-5 in two" mean?
A par-5 is designed for 3 shots to reach the green. Doing it in two shots means the player hit a massive drive and a long, accurate second shot — very rare and very impressive.
4. Why are 10–11 foot putts so important?
That’s the "makeable but missable" zone. Pros make ~40% from 10 feet. Making them under pressure = tournament-changing.
5. Where can I watch full highlights?
Visit the official PGA TOUR website or app — search "BMW Championship 2026 Highlights" for all video clips.
Final Thought
The 2026 BMW Championship in St. Louis reminded us why golf is the ultimate test of nerve, skill, and creativity. Whether it’s a 10-foot putt, a 120-yard laser, or a scrambling up-and-down — every shot tells a story.
Want more? Check out the full leaderboard, player stats, and replay the best shots on PGATOUR.COM.
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