The Ultimate Championship Test in Memphis
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, TPC Southwind stands as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States. Home to the FedEx St. Jude Championship, this challenging par-70 course is revered for its undulating fairways, water-laden hazards, and fast Bermuda greens. With a rich history of hosting PGA TOUR events, TPC Southwind continues to be a proving ground for the world’s best golfers. Whether you’re a golf purist, a history enthusiast, or a casual player seeking a bucket-list course, TPC Southwind delivers an unforgettable experience.
General Information
Full Name: TPC Southwind
Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Year Established: 1988
Course Designer: Ron Prichard, with consultation from Fuzzy Zoeller and Hubert Green
Designed by Ron Prichard, TPC Southwind was built to challenge the modern professional golfer while still providing a rewarding experience for members and guests. Since its opening in 1988, the course has become a staple of the PGA TOUR, hosting high-stakes competition year after year.
What Makes TPC Southwind Unique?
Unique Features
TPC Southwind is renowned for its challenging layout, strategic bunkering, and demanding greens. The course blends natural beauty with a tournament-caliber test, ensuring that every round is an exhilarating experience.
Course Type: Championship Parkland
Number of Holes: 18 (Par 70)
Total Yardage: 7,233 yards
Signature Holes and Standout Features
- Hole 11 (Par 3, 162 yards) – Known as “The Water Hole”, this island green is one of the most intimidating par 3s on the PGA TOUR, drawing comparisons to TPC Sawgrass’s famous 17th.
- Hole 14 (Par 3, 239 yards) – A beast of a par 3, where only a perfect tee shot can navigate the length and challenging green.
- Hole 18 (Par 4, 453 yards) – A legendary finishing hole, where major tournaments have been decided by inches.
- Zoysia Fairways & Bermuda Greens – The course’s pristine turf conditions ensure year-round playability and challenge.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Tournaments Hosted
TPC Southwind has been a mainstay on the PGA TOUR, hosting some of the sport’s most prestigious events:
- FedEx St. Jude Championship (Current, part of FedExCup Playoffs)
- St. Jude Classic (1958–2018, before transitioning to FedExCup Playoffs)
- World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational (2019–2021)
Historic Moments
- Justin Thomas’ WGC Win (2020) – A dominant performance that solidified his reputation as one of the game’s elite.
- Dustin Johnson’s 2018 Walk-Off Eagle – Johnson’s hole-out eagle on 18 remains one of the most thrilling finishes in tournament history.
- Phil Mickelson’s Near Miss (2020) – The golf legend came close to victory but fell just short against rising stars.
- Lee Trevino’s Legacy – The Hall of Famer played in multiple St. Jude Classics, helping build the tournament’s prestige.
Champions of the Last Decade
FedEx St. Jude Championship – Recent Winners
- 2024 – Hideki Matsuyama (-17)
- 2023 – Lucas Glover (-15)
- 2022 – Will Zalatoris (-15, playoff over Sepp Straka)
- 2021 – Abraham Ancer (-16, playoff over Sam Burns & Hideki Matsuyama)
- 2020 – Justin Thomas (-13)
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Clubhouse & Amenities
- Modern Clubhouse – Features a fine-dining restaurant, pro shop, and private lounges.
- Exclusive Member Dining – High-end cuisine with scenic views of the course.
- State-of-the-Art Locker Rooms – Designed to cater to PGA TOUR professionals and members alike.
Membership & Green Fees
- Private Membership – TPC Southwind is an exclusive private club, requiring invitation or application for membership.
- Limited Guest Play – Visitors can only play with a member or during designated charity events.
- Elite Practice Facilities – Includes double-ended driving range, short-game area, and cutting-edge swing analysis.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Notable Players Who Have Competed Here
- Tiger Woods – Competed during the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational era.
- Rory McIlroy – A frequent contender at TPC Southwind.
- Dustin Johnson – Multiple-time winner and course record holder.
- Phil Mickelson – A fan favorite with several top finishes.
Course Records
- Lowest Round: 61 (Tommy Fleetwood, 2020 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational)
- Most Wins at TPC Southwind: 3 (Dustin Johnson, 2012, 2018, 2020)
- Longest Drive: 398 yards (Dustin Johnson, 2018)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- TPC Network Excellence – As part of the Tournament Players Club (TPC) network, Southwind offers elite course conditions year-round.
- Bermuda Rough Challenges – The thick Bermuda rough punishes errant drives, making accuracy crucial.
- Celebrity Golfers – Justin Timberlake, Peyton Manning, and Charles Barkley have all teed it up at TPC Southwind.
- A Historic Charity Tradition – The tournament has raised millions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, making it one of the most charitable events in golf.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
TPC Southwind is not just a championship venue; it’s a bucket-list experience for any golfer. The demanding course layout, rich tournament history, and impeccable facilities make it one of the best private clubs in the U.S.
Rankings & Reviews
- Top 100 Courses in America – Golf Digest
- Best Private Golf Clubs in Tennessee – Golf Magazine
- Ranked Among the Most Challenging PGA TOUR Courses – Top100GolfCourses.com
From its iconic 11th hole to the thrilling FedExCup Playoff battles, TPC Southwind is a must-play course for those who appreciate championship golf at its finest. Whether you’re watching the best in the world or playing a round yourself, this course guarantees an unforgettable experience.
