The FedEx St. Jude Championship has opened the 2026 FedExCup Playoffs, bringing the PGA Tour’s leading players to Memphis, Tennessee, for four days of high-pressure golf at TPC Southwind. The tournament is being played from August 13-16 and features the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings following the regular season.
The St. Jude Championship is the first event of the three-tournament FedExCup Playoffs, making every round particularly important. Only the top 50 players after this week will advance to the BMW Championship, increasing the pressure on the field at TPC Southwind.
FedEx St. Jude Championship 2026: What to Know
The tournament is being held at TPC Southwind, a par-70 layout measuring 7,288 yards in Memphis. The PGA Tour has staged an event in Memphis since 1958, while TPC Southwind has been the permanent host since 1989.
The 2026 tournament carries a $20 million purse and awards 2,000 FedExCup points to the champion. With the playoffs beginning, those points can make a major difference in determining who progresses toward the season-ending Tour Championship.
The event also has a strong charitable connection. FedEx has supported the tournament for more than three decades, with the event helping raise more than $38 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Tommy Fleetwood Returns to Memphis
Tommy Fleetwood is one of the biggest names attracting attention at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Fleetwood returns to TPC Southwind after finishing tied for third in the 2025 edition.
Last year, Fleetwood was in contention until the final stages before Justin Rose produced a late comeback and eventually defeated J.J. Spaun in a playoff. Fleetwood finished at 15-under par, three shots behind the eventual winning score after 72 holes.
His previous success at the venue makes him one of the players to watch again in 2026.
Rory McIlroy Makes His Return
Rory McIlroy is another major storyline at this year’s St. Jude Championship.
McIlroy originally questioned whether he would play the opening playoff events, but he ultimately decided to compete in Memphis. His participation adds another major attraction to an already strong field.
McIlroy entered the tournament ranked 12th in the FedExCup standings and is chasing a record-extending fourth FedExCup title. He previously won the season-long competition in 2016, 2019 and 2022.
Despite his success throughout his career, McIlroy has never won the St. Jude Championship. His return therefore adds another intriguing storyline to the opening week of the playoffs.
Why TPC Southwind Matters
TPC Southwind presents a demanding test as the players begin the postseason. The course’s 7,288-yard, par-70 configuration means accuracy, strong approach play and controlled scoring will be crucial throughout the week.
The Memphis heat is another factor. Players and caddies are dealing with hot and humid August conditions, making energy management especially important across four rounds.
A Major Week in the FedExCup Race
The importance of the FedEx St. Jude Championship goes beyond the tournament trophy. The 70-player field has already earned its place in the playoffs, but only 50 will move forward to the BMW Championship.
That creates a different kind of pressure for players near the qualification line. A strong performance at TPC Southwind can provide valuable FedExCup points and improve a player’s position heading into the second playoff event.
For players such as Fleetwood and McIlroy, however, the focus is also on building momentum for the final stages of the postseason.
What Fans Should Watch
The biggest storylines at the 2026 St. Jude Championship include McIlroy’s return, Fleetwood’s bid to improve on last year’s near miss and the battle among the 70-player field for the 50 available places in the next playoff event.
With the tournament taking place at TPC Southwind from August 13-16, every round carries significance. The combination of a $20 million purse, 2,000 FedExCup points and playoff qualification makes this one of the most important tournaments of the PGA Tour season.
As the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs, the FedEx St. Jude Championship sets the tone for the final stretch of the season. With Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy and the rest of the elite field competing under the Memphis heat, TPC Southwind is set for another highly competitive week of PGA Tour golf
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