The 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship gets the FedExCup Playoffs underway from August 13-16 with the PGA Tour’s top 70 heading to TPC Southwind.
It is the first of the three Playoffs events and will determine which 50 players advance to next week’s BMW Championship.
The Ron Prichard-designed course in Memphis, Tennessee, is a par 70 measuring 7,288 yards and will provide a stern test for the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Tommy Fleetwood.
TPC Southwind tests driving accuracy, controlled iron play and disciplined strategy, so this is not simply a venue for overpowering the field.
With no 36-hole cut in the 70-player Playoffs opener, every player will have four rounds to build a score and chase valuable FedExCup points.
Current 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | 5.50 (11/2) |
| Rory McIlroy | 12.00 (12/1) |
| Xander Schauffele | 15.00 (15/1) |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 17.00 (17/1) |
| Cameron Young | 21.00 (21/1) |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 21.00 (21/1) |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 21.00 (21/1) |
| Sam Burns | 21.00 (21/1) |
| Collin Morikawa | 23.00 (23/1) |
Leading Contenders for the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler begins the Playoffs as the clear favourite, with his peerless tee-to-green level makes him the obvious player to beat.
TPC Southwind should suit Scheffler with quality approach play and avoiding trouble off the tee both fundamental to contending.
If his putter is merely solid, he has every chance to open the Playoffs with a victory.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy‘s power can create a significant advantage at Southwind, but his success will hinge on keeping the ball in position and taking advantage of the scoring holes without forcing the issue.
McIlroy has the firepower to turn a good round into a great one quickly. If his iron play is sharp from the start, he has every attribute needed to make a serious run at the first Playoffs trophy.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele arrives with the kind of all-round game that regularly holds up under the pressure of the FedExCup Playoffs.
His consistency from tee to green, excellent decision-making and calm temperament make him a natural candidate to thrive in an event where a single bad hole can cost plenty.
Schauffele does not need a perfect setup to contend. If conditions become more difficult, his ability to limit mistakes could make him especially dangerous through the weekend.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood offers an appealing mix of precision, creativity and current confidence – especially as TPC Southwind should suit his controlled iron play.
If the course asks players to shape shots and manage their way around the water and trouble the Fleetwood is strong each-way value.
Fleetwood’s key will be converting the chances his ball-striking creates. A positive putting week would give him a strong platform to challenge for one of the biggest titles of his PGA Tour campaign.
Cameron Young
Cameron Young brings major upside to a course that can still reward aggressive players when they pick their moments.
His power allows him to create scoring opportunities that some of the field cannot, although keeping that aggression under control will be vital around Southwind.
Young’s recent form has kept him high in markets throughout the summer. If he combines that confidence with a disciplined game plan, he has the scoring ceiling to contend with anyone.
Hideki Matsuyama
TPC Southwind’s emphasis on approach precision should play to Hideki Matsuyama‘s strengths, particularly if firm or breezy conditions increase the value of controlling distance.
Matsuyama’s chances will likely come down to the putter. When he produces even an average week on the greens, his long-game quality is more than capable of carrying him into the final group on Sunday.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick‘s disciplined style looks highly compatible with this course.
His accurate driving, controlled trajectory and proven ability to grind out scores make him a persuasive option if the tournament becomes more about patience than birdie-making.
Fitzpatrick has repeatedly shown he can contend on demanding setups. If he keeps mistakes off the card early, he has the temperament and technical game to stay involved all week.
Sam Burns
Sam Burns brings serious upside, especially on a course where a hot putter can quickly alter the shape of the leaderboard.
His strong iron play and ability to make birdies in bursts mean he cannot be ignored in a no-cut event, where players have time to recover from a slow start.
Burns will need to be sharp from the tee, but if he gives himself enough looks on Southwind’s small, demanding greens, he has the talent to make a strong Playoffs statement.
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa rounds out the highlighted group and looks a logical fit for TPC Southwind.
He remains one of the game’s elite iron players, and a tournament that prioritises positioning and exact approach control should give him a genuine chance to build momentum.
Morikawa’s ceiling depends on whether he can complement that ball-striking with enough putts made. If that side of his game clicks, his odds could look a generous number for a player with his quality.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.