The PGA Tour postseason begins with the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, bringing together the top players in the FedExCup race for the opening event of the 2026 FedExCup Playoffs. The tournament runs from August 13-16, featuring a $20 million purse and 750 FedExCup points on the line, according to Yahoo Sports.
FedEx Cup Playoffs Kick Off in Memphis
The field is determined by the FedExCup standings following the regular-season conclusion at the Wyndham Championship. The opening event of the three-tournament series features the world’s current top 10 players and eight former FedExCup champions, according to the Daily Memphian. The top 70 players from the PGA Tour in 2026 arrived in Memphis as a loaded field fights for top-50 status to advance to the following week’s BMW Championship, leading toward the Tour Championship on Labor Day weekend.
Top Contenders and Star-Studded Field
Scottie Scheffler headlines the field, entering the playoffs at No. 1 in the FedExCup standings with one win and five runner-up finishes this season, including his most recent start at the 3M Open. Rory McIlroy also returns to TPC Southwind after skipping the tournament last year, entering the postseason outside the top 10 in the standings for the first time since 2021.
Justin Rose returns to Memphis to defend his FedEx St. Jude Championship title after winning the event in a playoff last year. Defending FedExCup champion Tommy Fleetwood begins the playoffs at No. 9 following a consistent summer, while 2024 titleholder Hideki Matsuyama returns with strong recent form that includes top-15 finishes over the past five weeks. Other notable contenders highlighted in power rankings include Aaron Rai, J.J. Spaun, and top approach player on the PGA Tour, who arrives second in the FedExCup standings with three victories this season.
Course Setup and High Stakes at TPC Southwind
TPC Southwind plays host to the opening playoff event, featuring a stock par 70 layout capable of reaching 7,243 yards. The venue features approximately three-inch rough flanking fairways and smallish, firm Bermudagrass greens averaging 4,300 square feet, which places a premium on elite iron play and experienced decision-makers. Subtle changes to the golf course last year involved replacing all 18 greens and adding 50 yards to the scorecard.
With FedExCup points quadrupled during the first two legs of the playoffs, players outside the top 50 require strong performances to advance. Last year’s history at the venue demonstrated how a strong finish can shift standings, as Cam Davis and Hideki Matsuyama rose into the top 50 a year ago. Weather in Memphis presents daytime temperatures spiking in the 90s, with a slight risk of rain and storms potentially impacting the field on Friday alongside winds.
Field Withdrawals and Bubble Players
While 70 players qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs, only 69 will compete at TPC Southwind. Daniel Berger, who finished the regular season No. 60 in the standings, withdrew from the tournament due to injury following a stretch where he missed the cut in four of his final five regular-season starts. Because the PGA Tour does not use an alternate list for playoff events, Berger’s withdrawal leaves the field at 69 competitors and ends his opportunity to advance to the BMW Championship.
Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth enters the postseason at No. 54 in the standings as the only player inside the top 70 without a top-10 finish this season. The three-time major champion needs a strong performance in Memphis to keep his season alive and advance past the cut-free opening playoff event, where the top 50 in the standings after Sunday move on to the second round.
