FedEx Cup Playoffs Begin: St. Jude Championship Tees Off in Memphis

The wait’s over — playoff golf is here. Tomorrow, the PGA Tour’s postseason gets rolling at TPC Southwind in Memphis with the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first of three events that will decide the FedEx Cup champion. The stakes are high, the field is elite, and yes — the sportsbooks already have their favorites and long shots locked in.

The Format That Makes Every Shot Count

The FedEx Cup Playoffs aren’t your standard 72-hole grind. This week is all about survival and positioning. The 70-man field will be cut down to the top 50 for next week’s BMW Championship. From there, only 30 make it to the Tour Championship in Atlanta — where the $18 million top prize awaits.

There’s no “make the cut” on Friday here — everyone plays four rounds — but finishing low is the only way to keep your season alive. That pressure changes the way players approach the week.

Where the Value Might Be

If you’re hunting for bigger payouts, there’s a lot to like in the mid-to-long range:

• Harry Hall (75/1) — The Englishman’s putting can carry him through four days if his driver cooperates. Southwind’s greens reward confident strokes.
• Brian Harman (90/1) — Accurate, gritty, and already a major winner at Hoylake last year. Harman thrives on courses that demand precision over power.
• Justin Rose (100/1) — A veteran with the patience to pick apart a layout like this. If his irons are on, he can make a real run.

These aren’t “just in case” picks — they’re players whose skill sets align with what Southwind demands.

Course Fit and Momentum

TPC Southwind isn’t about bombing it 330 yards — it’s about staying out of the thick Bermuda rough, hitting approach shots to the right sections, and scrambling when things go wrong. That brings precision players into the mix and opens the door for sleepers.

Momentum also matters. A player riding recent form, even without a win, can find the spark here. Conversely, a favorite with shaky putting numbers or fatigue could be vulnerable.

Final Takeaway

This year’s St. Jude Championship feels wide open beneath Scheffler’s shadow. The playoff format amps up the tension, and TPC Southwind’s demands level the playing field. Whether you’re watching for the pure drama or leaning into the betting angles, the next four days in Memphis will set the tone for the rest of the FedEx Cup chase.

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