FedExCup Playoffs begin in Memphis
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is set to commence on Thursday at TPC Southwind in Memphis, marking the start of the PGA Tour‘s FedExCup Playoffs. The field for this event includes the current top 10 players globally and eight past FedExCup champions. Among those participating is Rory McIlroy, who is targeting a record-extending fourth FedExCup title.
McIlroy, currently ranked world No. 2, enters the first playoff event in 12th position in the season-long standings. The tournament features a 69-man field, which also includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Justin Rose. McIlroy had previously skipped last year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Tournament structure and stakes
The FedExCup Playoffs consist of three stages. Following the FedEx St. Jude Championship, only the top 50 players in the standings will advance to the BMW Championship. From there, the top 30 will qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship. Winners of the first two playoff events will each earn 750 points.
The format for the Tour Championship has been adjusted, with the starting-strokes model based on FedExCup placings being removed in 2025. All players will now begin at even par in the closing event. The champion of the Tour Championship will be crowned the 2026 FedExCup champion, receiving a prize and a five-year PGA Tour exemption.
Players who have qualified for the FedEx St. Jude Championship are guaranteed to maintain their PGA Tour card for 2027 and secure a spot at The Players. Those who reach the BMW Championship will also earn places in the subsequent season’s signature events. For the 30 players who make it to the Tour Championship, a two-year PGA Tour exemption and participation in the Masters at Augusta National are among the benefits, along with spots in the US Open and Open.
McIlroy’s approach and emerging talent
McIlroy’s putting mentor, Brad Faxon, noted that the golfer has been selective with his tournament schedule since successfully defending his Masters title in April. Since then, McIlroy has played six events, with three outside of the majors, achieving a tied-19th finish at the Truist Championship, tied-12th at The Memorial, and a share of seventh at the Genesis Scottish Open.
Faxon emphasized that McIlroy’s approach is due to both financial and mental considerations. He highlighted the mental fatigue that comes with constant public attention, suggesting that McIlroy’s recent break to the Greek islands was a way to disengage from the sport. Faxon also mentioned McIlroy’s strong track record in the playoffs, noting the physical demands of contending for the FedExCup during the summer months in the south.
A notable player to watch is Jackson Koivun, who secured a FedExCup Playoff spot after just five professional events, matching a record. Koivun, at 21 years old, won the 3M Open in his third professional start. Faxon described Koivun as a dedicated player with a strong putting stroke and attitude, suggesting he would be a good fit for the USA Ryder Cup team in Ireland next September.
Past FedExCup champions include Tommy Fleetwood in 2025, Scottie Scheffler in 2024, and Viktor Hovland in 2023. McIlroy himself has won the title in 2022, 2019, and 2016. The FedEx St. Jude Championship is scheduled from August 13-16.
The PGA Tour‘s FedExCup Playoffs will be broadcast live starting Thursday.
Source: skysports.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.