St Jude’s Championship: Fleetwood Leads as Play Halts for Bad Weather

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Tommy Fleetwood Dominates St Jude Championship, Leads by Four as Storms Halt Play

August 9, 2024

memphis, Tennessee – Tommy Fleetwood surged to a commanding lead at the St Jude championship before severe weather forced a suspension of play on Friday. the Englishman’s exceptional performance puts him in prime position for a potential breakthrough PGA Tour victory.

Tommy Fleetwood fired a stunning six-under 64 in the second round of the St Jude Championship, extending his lead to four strokes before play was halted due to risky weather conditions. Fleetwood,who opened with a remarkable 63 on Thursday,continued his extraordinary form with a total of seven birdies.

A single bogey on the 18th hole was the only minor setback in his overall score,bringing his two-round total to 13 under par. This performance marks a critically important step for Fleetwood, who is seeking his first-ever PGA Tour win.

Collin Morikawa, the two-time major champion, is currently in second place at nine under par, alongside fellow american Akshay Bhatia. Both players are within striking distance as the tournament resumes.

England’s Justin Rose was also making a strong push, positioned on the 17th tee when play was suspended.He sits four shots behind Fleetwood, alongside 20 other players still awaiting their chance to complete the second round.

Understanding the FedExCup Playoffs

The St Jude Championship marks the beginning of the FedExCup Playoffs, a three-event series that culminates in the Tour Championship. The Playoffs determine the FedExCup champion and award a considerable $18 million bonus to the winner. Players accumulate points throughout the regular season, and their ranking determines their starting position and path through the playoffs.

the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings qualify for the st Jude Championship. Following this event, the field is trimmed to the top 50 for the BMW Championship, and ultimately, the top 30 compete at the Tour Championship.

Frequently asked Questions About the St Jude Championship

What is the St Jude Championship?

The St Jude Championship is the first of three events in the FedExCup Playoffs, a season-ending tournament series on the PGA Tour.

how does the FedExCup Playoffs work?

The FedExCup Playoffs involve a points-based system where players accumulate points throughout the regular season and the playoff events. The top 30 players advance to the tour Championship.

What is Tommy Fleetwood’s current PGA Tour status?

Tommy Fleetwood is a highly-ranked professional golfer seeking his first PGA Tour victory, currently leading the St Jude Championship.

Who are the other contenders at the St Jude Championship?

Collin Morikawa and Akshay Bhatia are currently tied for second place, posing a strong challenge to Fleetwood’s lead.

What impact does the weather have on the tournament?

Severe weather, such as lightning, can cause play to be suspended, impacting the tournament schedule and player momentum.

Where is the St Jude Championship being held?

How might the suspension of play due to weather impact player strategies and momentum heading into the weekend rounds?

Current Standings & Key Performances

As of the suspension of play at the 2025 St. Jude’s Championship, Tommy Fleetwood holds a narrow lead at 12-under par. The FedEx Cup Playoffs opener at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, has been considerably impacted by inclement weather, forcing a temporary halt to the second round.

Here’s a snapshot of the top 5 as of the suspension:

Tommy Fleetwood: -12

rory mcilroy: -11

Patrick Cantlay: -10

Xander Schauffele: -9

Scottie Scheffler: -8

These early leaderboard positions are crucial as players battle for FedEx Cup points and positioning for the BMW Championship. The FedEx Cup standings are heavily influenced by performance in these playoff events.

Weather Disruptions & Tournament Impact

Severe thunderstorms rolled through Memphis on Friday, August 8th, leading to a lengthy suspension of play. The PGA Tour made the decision to halt play at 10:45 AM CT, with heavy rain and lightning posing a safety risk to players and spectators.

Round 1 Completion: The first round was completed without major weather issues, setting the stage for a competitive weekend.

Round 2 Delays: Only a portion of the field was able to complete their second rounds before the suspension. Manny players will return Saturday morning to finish their rounds.

Revised Schedule: Tournament officials have announced a revised schedule to accommodate the delays. Saturday will feature a double tee time to get players through the remaining holes of Round 2.

Potential for Monday Finish: depending on the severity of further weather forecasts, a Monday finish is a possibility. This would impact travel plans for players heading to the BMW Championship.

The St. Jude’s Championship weather has undoubtedly thrown a wrench into the tournament’s flow,adding an element of unpredictability.

Fleetwood’s Round & Key moments

Fleetwood’s impressive performance has been marked by consistent ball-striking and clutch putting. He carded a 66 in the first round and was under par through 11 holes of his second round when play was suspended.

Birdie Streak: Fleetwood recorded three birdies in a four-hole stretch on Thursday, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Approach play: His accuracy with approach shots has been a key factor in setting up birdie chances.

Putting Performance: Fleetwood’s putting has been solid, converting crucial putts to maintain his lead.

His current form positions him well for a strong showing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, but the tournament is far from over.

Notable Performances & Players to Watch

Beyond Fleetwood, several other players are making a strong push for contention.

Rory McIlroy: McIlroy is looking to build momentum heading into the BMW Championship. A strong performance at the St. Jude’s Championship would significantly boost his FedEx Cup chances.

Patrick Cantlay: Known for his consistent play,Cantlay is a threat to win any tournament he enters.

Scottie Scheffler: Despite a slightly slower start,Scheffler remains a formidable competitor and is always in contention.

Jordan Spieth: Spieth is within striking distance and could make a move on the weekend.

Keep an eye on these players as they navigate the challenging conditions at TPC Southwind.

Course conditions & Challenges at TPC Southwind

TPC Southwind presents a unique set of challenges for golfers.

Narrow Fairways: The course features narrow fairways, demanding accuracy off the tee.

Undulating Greens: The greens are undulating and fast, requiring precise putting.

Water Hazards: Numerous water hazards come into play,adding to the difficulty.

Bermudagrass: The course is covered in Bermudagrass, which can be tricky to master