Rory McIlroy opened the FedEx St. Jude Championship with a four-over-par 74, leaving him nine strokes behind the leaders after a late-round collapse at TPC Southwind. While Jordan Spieth and four others shared the lead at five-under, McIlroy’s finish—including a double bogey at the 18th—marked a difficult return to competition following a month-long break since The Open.
Leaders Set the Pace in Memphis
Jordan Spieth leads a five-way tie at the top of the leaderboard, joined by Michael Thorbjornsen, Kurt Kitayama, Jake Knapp, and Michael Kim at five-under par.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood sits just one shot back at four-under, highlighted by a chip-in eagle on the par-five third hole. Despite expressing frustration with his iron play, Fleetwood noted that finishing under par on the Memphis layout remains a strong start. Scottie Scheffler, paired with McIlroy, carded a 68 to remain in contention, citing a patient approach to his iron shots.
McIlroy’s Return and Late-Round Struggles
McIlroy’s round remained level par until a late-round slide saw him drop shots at the 16th and 17th holes. His trouble peaked at the par-four 18th, where a wayward tee shot into the water led to a double bogey. This tournament marks his first appearance since finishing tied for 40th at The Open at Royal Birkdale.
According to The Irish Times, McIlroy had previously indicated he might skip the lead-up to the Tour Championship, but he ultimately committed to the full three-event playoff stretch. He noted the importance of supporting the PGA Tour and gathering practice time in the high-heat conditions of Tennessee, where temperatures are expected to reach nearly 40 degrees.
Playoff Structure and Field Dynamics
The FedEx St. Jude Championship serves as the first of three playoff events. Only the top 50 players in the standings after Sunday’s final round will progress to the BMW Championship, followed by the top 30 moving on to the season-ending Tour Championship.
McIlroy, currently 12th in the standings, faces no immediate threat to his progression. Conversely, other players face significant pressure; Shane Lowry, currently 62nd, requires a high finish to move into the top 50. The event features no cut, providing players like McIlroy the opportunity to recover their positions over the weekend.
The FedExCup Playoffs format changed in 2025, with all players beginning at even par in the final event and the previous “starting-strokes” model being eliminated.
Pro Tips for Following the Playoffs
- Watch the Rankings: Keep an eye on the "live" projections, as the top 50 cutoff for the BMW Championship is the primary storyline for players currently outside the bubble.
- Course Management: As noted by McIlroy, the fifth hole at TPC Southwind remains one of the most challenging on the course. Players who can secure par there gain significant momentum for the rest of the round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the FedEx St. Jude Championship?
Jordan Spieth, Michael Thorbjornsen, Kurt Kitayama, Jake Knapp, and Michael Kim share the lead at five-under par after the first round.
What happens to players who do not make the top 50?
Players who finish outside the top 50 in the FedExCup standings after this week do not qualify for the BMW Championship and their season on the PGA Tour concludes.
Is there a cut at this tournament?
No, the FedEx St. Jude Championship is a no-cut event, allowing all 70 participants to play all four rounds.
Stay tuned for further coverage of the PGA Tour playoffs on Sky Sports Golf. Join the conversation in the comments below: Can Rory McIlroy bounce back to reach the top 30?