FedExCup race closer than ever as season continues

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With nine weeks left in the PGA TOUR's Regular Season, the FedExCup point standings have never been closer. Phil Mickelson, fresh off his tie for second at last week's U.S. Open, is the new leader in the year-long competition, but by just seven points.

How slim is that margin? Seven points equates to a 64th-place finish in a PGA TOUR event.

At no time this year has the race been that close, and it's not only No. 2 Zach Johnson who is pressing Mickelson. Tiger Woods (in third place) is just 65 points back, Steve Stricker (in fourth place) is only 73 behind and Geoff Ogilvy (in fifth place) trails by a mere 83 points.

Mickelson is the fourth player to hold the lead this year, joining Ogilvy, Johnson and Kenny Perry. Ogilvy held the overall lead for 12 weeks this year, while Johnson led for nine and Perry for two.

The lead could change this week, too. Johnson, Brian Gay (148 points behind), Perry (242 points behind) and new U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover (260 points behind) could all take the lead from Mickelson depending upon their finish at the Travelers Championship.