The 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first of three events in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, will be held at the prestigious TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, from August 15-18. TPC Southwind, a par-70 course spanning 7,244 yards, has a storied history as a host of PGA Tour events and is known for its challenging layout that tests even the best players in the world.
Since becoming part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs in 2019, this course has become synonymous with high-stakes competition, featuring undulating fairways and water hazards that require precision from tee to green. With a $20 million purse and $3.6 million going to the winner, the pressure is on for the field of 70 players.
The tournament marks a pivotal moment in the season, where only the top 50 players will advance to the BMW Championship, making every stroke count. As the first leg of the playoffs, TPC Southwind has consistently rewarded those with strong ball-striking abilities, as seen in past champions like Will Zalatoris, Lucas Glover, and Brooks Koepka. With no cut after 36 holes, the intensity will build as players vie not only for victory but also for their place in the next stage of the playoffs.
TPC Southwind’s history in the FedEx Cup Playoffs is rich, having hosted some of the most memorable moments in recent golf history. The course, redesigned by Ron Prichard, has seen champions rise through skillful play and strategic mastery, with narrow fairways and water hazards challenging even the most seasoned professionals. From the dramatic finishes to the remarkable victories, TPC Southwind has established itself as a key battleground in determining the season’s elite.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, all eyes will be on the top contenders who are set to compete. The 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship promises to deliver high drama and exceptional golf, with the world’s best players ready to showcase their talents in pursuit of the coveted FedEx Cup title. With its rich history and challenging layout, TPC Southwind is the perfect stage for this prestigious event.
FedEx St. Jude Championship: Weather and Course Condition
Course conditions at TPC Southwind are expected to be pristine for the FedEx St. Jude Championship as always, with the greens running fast and true. The fairways, though narrow, are well-maintained, and the rough is expected to be thick, punishing any wayward shots.
The numerous water hazards will undoubtedly play a significant role in the strategy, with players needing to carefully manage their approach shots to avoid costly penalties.
The weather for the FedEx St. Jude Championship is forecasted to be warm and humid, typical for Memphis in August. Temperatures are expected to hover around the mid-80s to low 90s, with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, which could disrupt play.
Players will need to be prepared for potential delays and adjust their strategies accordingly, as the unpredictable weather could add another layer of difficulty to an already challenging course.
FedEx St. Jude Championship: The Field
The field for the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship is stacked with talent, headlined by Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy. Scheffler, fresh off a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, enters the tournament as the favorite, having secured six victories this season and leading the FedEx Cup standings. Schauffele, who finished atop the leaderboard at both the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, is close behind, eager to challenge Scheffler for supremacy as the season winds down.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that this tournament could serve as a defining moment in determining who had the better season—Scheffler or Schauffele. Both players have been in exceptional form, and a victory here could tip the scales in favor of one over the other. Other notable players in the field include Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Jordan Spieth, who are all looking to make a statement as the playoffs begin.
The defending champion, Lucas Glover, will also be in the mix, hoping to replicate his success from last year. Glover’s victory at TPC Southwind in 2023 was a testament to his skill and determination, as he outlasted a world-class field in a dramatic playoff. With the stakes even higher this year, Glover will need to be at his best to defend his title against a formidable group of competitors.
FedEx St. Jude Championship: Expert and Sleeper Picks
Expert Picks:
Xander Schauffele (7-1): Schauffele has had a consistently strong season, with multiple top-10 finishes and a win at the Travelers Championship. His all-around game is exceptional, ranking 6th in strokes-gained total and 10th in strokes-gained tee-to-green.
Schauffele’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and his recent performance, including a T3 finish at the U.S. Open, make him a solid pick for this tournament. His consistent form and strong mental game positioned him well for another high finish at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Rory McIlroy (9-1): McIlroy has been in excellent form this season, consistently placing in the top 10 in major tournaments. His overall stats are impressive, leading the Tour in strokes-gained off-the-tee and ranking third in strokes-gained total.
Despite recent struggles in closing out tournaments, McIlroy’s ball-striking abilities make him a strong contender for a top 10 finish at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. With nearly even money odds, his track record and skill set make this a solid pick.
Sleeper Picks:
Billy Horschel (50-1): Horschel has been quietly building momentum with a strong performance at the Wyndham Championship, where he finished T7. His consistency in ball striking, combined with his strong putting (ranking 10th in strokes-gained putting), makes him a dangerous sleeper pick.
Horschel’s accuracy off the tee, particularly on a course that demands precision, could give him an edge at the FedEx St. Jude. While he missed the cut in 2022, his recent form suggests he’s primed for a deep run, making him worth a sprinkle at these long odds.
Sahith Theegala (45-1): Theegala has shown flashes of brilliance this season, with top finishes at the 3M and Scottish Open. His strong ball striking, ranking 17th in strokes-gained off-the-tee, and solid putting have made him a contender in several tournaments.
Despite a missed cut at the Open Championship, Theegala’s recent T9 finish at TPC Sawgrass, a course similar to Southwind, bodes well for his chances. At 45-1, he offers great value as a sleeper pick, and his all-around game could lead to a breakthrough performance at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.