FedEx Cup Playoffs - The St. Jude Championship

Lore & Background

The atmosphere at TPC Southwind during this week is electric, charged by the knowledge that every shot carries amplified weight. The course itself, with its demanding layout and water hazards, has become synonymous with pressure-packed golf where consistency is rewarded over flashiness. Over the years, the tournament has seen legendary figures rise to the occasion, using the event not just as a victory lap but as a launching pad for FedEx Cup titles.

In Their Own Story

The humid Memphis air hangs heavy over TPC Southwind as the sun beats down on the 18th green. A veteran player, eyes fixed on the flagstick, grips his putter tightly; this is not just another Sunday, but the first step toward immortality in the playoffs. The crowd roars as he sinks a crucial birdie, knowing that one stroke could alter his entire season's fate. In this moment, the roar of the fans and the silence of concentration merge, defining what it means to compete at the highest level when everything is on the line.

Reader's Guide

The tournament was historically known as the BMW Championship from 2007 until 2018, serving as the second leg of a three-event playoff series. In 2019, the PGA Tour restructured the playoffs to four events and renamed it the St. Jude Championship, moving it earlier in September to serve as the first event. Held at TPC Southwind since its inception as a playoff event, the course is renowned for its challenging layout featuring water on nearly every hole. The venue has hosted numerous record-breaking performances, with players often pushing their limits to gain crucial points. Prize money has grown significantly alongside the tournament's prestige, now offering seven-figure purses that reflect its status as a premier playoff event. Notable winners include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, each using victory here to propel their FedEx Cup campaigns.

Did You Know?

• The St. Jude Championship is one of three FedEx Cup playoff events with no cut after 36 holes (alongside the BMW Championship and Tour Championship).
• It was previously known as the FedEx St. Jude Classic, a regular-season event, before its rebranding in 2019.
• The event raises millions of dollars annually to support research and treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• Winning this tournament provides a significant points boost, but does not guarantee a top-30 finish; only the top 30 after the BMW Championship advance to the Tour Championship.