FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup spots on the line

AP

Anthony Kim could use another push to strengthen his case for the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Trevor Immelman's need this week is even more pressing.

Without a strong showing at the Wyndham Championship, he might not make golf's postseason.

The final event before the PGA Tour's postseason promises to once again be dominated by players trying to make it to other events - either the Ryder Cup or the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Kim starred on the Ryder Cup team that won two years ago at Valhalla. He said Wednesday that "it's just time for me to get the ball in the hole the next month and prove to him that I'm playing well enough to make that team."

The "him" is U.S. captain Corey Pavin, who will announce his selections Sept. 7.

Immelman currently sits 154th on the FedEx Cup list with the top 125 guaranteed to play at The Barclays, the first event in the four tournament Cup. A victory will move him into the top 80.

Mike Weir of Bright's Grove, Ont., is currently one of those players on the outside looking in - but just barely. He's 126th in the standings and a top-10 result this week will guarantee a playoff berth. However, Weir is battling tendinitis in his elbow and hasn't had a top-10 finish since the first tournament of the year. In the first three years of the FedEx Cup, Weir has never missed the playoffs, finishing has high as sixth in 2008.

Stephen Ames of Calgary sits 71st on the list and anyone ranked 96th or higher is mathematically guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.

Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., is currently 119th in the standings and falls into the "probables" category.

Tiger Woods is currently in the playoffs at 108th on the list, however, his spot is not guaranteed. His decision not to play at this week's event could open the door for others below him to knock him out of the top 125 but that doesn't seem likely.

Last year, five players who were outside the top 125 managed to make it into the FedEx Cup playoff with their performance at the Wyndham Championship.

Ultimately, the top 30 players will take part in The Tour Championship for the $10-million FedEx Cup prize, however, that is no easy feat for anyone currently on the outside of that number. Last year, only seven players who were ranked outside the top 30 managed to advance to the final.