The Opening Battle of the FedEx Cup Playoffs
Introduction
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, marking the beginning of a thrilling three-tournament series that determines the PGA Tour’s season-long champion. Played at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, this elite tournament features the top 70 players from the FedEx Cup standings competing for a chance to advance to the BMW Championship.
As the gateway to golf’s richest postseason, the FedEx St. Jude Championship is known for high-pressure drama, narrow fairways, water hazards, and a fiercely competitive field. This article dives into the history, format, legendary winners, and impact of the tournament on professional golf.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the FedEx St. Jude Championship
Origins and Evolution
The tournament was originally known as the Memphis Open, first played in 1958. Over the years, it has undergone multiple name changes and sponsorship deals, becoming part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs in 2022.
Key Milestones
- 1958 – First edition, won by Billy Maxwell.
- 1970 – Rebranded as the St. Jude Classic, partnering with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
- 1986 – Became a permanent event at TPC Southwind.
- 2019 – Elevated to a WGC event as the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.
- 2022 – Became the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Understanding the Format of the FedEx St. Jude Championship
Competition Format
- Field Size: Top 70 players from the FedEx Cup standings.
- 72-hole stroke play tournament over four days.
- No cut – All 70 players compete for all four rounds.
- Playoff Format: Sudden death if players are tied after 72 holes.
FedEx Cup Playoff Impact
- The top 50 players after the FedEx St. Jude Championship advance to the BMW Championship.
- Performance in this event determines starting positions in the FedEx Cup standings heading into the playoffs.
- Winning this tournament provides a significant points boost, giving players an edge in the race for the $75 million prize pool.
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The Challenging TPC Southwind Course
Course Overview
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
- Established: 1988
- Architect: Ron Prichard
- Course Length: 7,244 yards, Par 70
- Signature Features:
- 94 bunkers and 10 water hazards, making accuracy crucial.
- Tough closing stretch, including the infamous 18th hole.
- Bermudagrass greens that challenge even the best putters.
Signature Holes
- Hole 11 (Par 3, 162 yards) – Known as “The Island Green” due to its water-protected putting surface.
- Hole 18 (Par 4, 453 yards) – A nerve-wracking finishing hole with water lining the fairway.
🏆 Recent Champions (2020-2024)
2024 Champion: Hideki Matsuyama
- Score: 263 (−17)
- Winning Margin: 2 strokes.
- Key Highlights: Secured back-to-back wins with clutch birdies on the final holes.
2023 Champion: Lucas Glover
- Score: 263 (-15)
- Winning Margin: Playoff win over Patrick Cantlay.
- Key Highlights: Clinched his second straight victory in consecutive weeks.
2022 Champion: Will Zalatoris
- Score: 265 (-15)
- Winning Margin: Playoff win over Sepp Straka.
- Key Highlights: First PGA Tour victory for Zalatoris, marked by an emotional triumph.
2021 Champion: Abraham Ancer
- Score: 264 (-16)
- Winning Margin: Playoff win over Sam Burns and Hideki Matsuyama.
- Key Highlights: First PGA Tour win for Ancer.
2020 Champion: Justin Thomas
- Score: 267 (-13)
- Winning Margin: 3 strokes.
- Key Highlights: Rose to World No. 1 with his victory.
Golfing Icons & Their Triumphs in Memphis
Most Wins at TPC Southwind
- Dustin Johnson (3 titles) – 2012, 2016, 2018.
- Lee Trevino (3 titles) – 1971, 1972, 1980.
- Nick Price (3 titles) – 1993, 1998, 2001.
Memorable Moments
- Will Zalatoris’ Playoff Thriller (2022) – First career win in dramatic fashion.
- Justin Thomas’ World No. 1 Return (2020) – A dominant performance in a stacked field.
- Lucas Glover’s Back-to-Back Wins (2023) – A fairytale comeback story in the playoffs.
Traditions & The FedEx St. Jude Championship Trophy
Notable Traditions
- The St. Jude Partnership – Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, making it a unique charity-driven tournament.
- Elite-Only Field – Limited to the top 70 FedEx Cup players.
- No Cut Format – Ensures four rounds of high-stakes action for all competitors.
Record-Breaking Performances & Interesting Facts
- Lowest Winning Score: 258 (-22) – Dustin Johnson (2020).
- Youngest Winner: David Toms (1997) at age 30.
- Most Consecutive Wins: Lucas Glover (2023), part of a two-week win streak.
Why the FedEx St. Jude Championship Matters in Global Golf
- First Playoff Event, setting the stage for the FedEx Cup race.
- Massive FedEx Cup Points at Stake, crucial for advancing in the playoffs.
- World-Class Field, featuring the PGA Tour’s top players.
- Charitable Impact, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Final Thoughts
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is more than just a tournament—it’s the first major test in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, where every stroke matters. The best golfers in the world battle for playoff positioning, setting the stage for the BMW Championship and Tour Championship.
