Justin Rose Triumphs in Dramatic Playoff at 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship
In an exhilarating finish at the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship held at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, Justin Rose secured his first PGA Tour win since 2023 by defeating J.J. Spaun in a tense three-hole sudden death playoff. Rose’s victory not only marked a redemption after his earlier playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at the Masters but also propelled him significantly up the FedEx Cup Playoff standings as the tour moves on to the BMW Championship.
Rose’s Strategic Surge on the Back Nine
The tournament saw Rose make a stunning charge in the final round, scoring six birdies on his last eight holes, including an impressive streak of four consecutive birdies from holes 14 to 17. This impressive feat allowed him to recover from several strokes behind the leaders and tie with Spaun at 16-under par, forcing the playoff. Meanwhile, Spaun maintained strong form, shooting a 65 and birdying two of his final three holes to earn the playoff position.
Rose’s clutch putting was on full display on the back nine with successful birdie putts from distances ranging between 6 to 23 feet, underscoring his precision under pressure. His final round 67 proved decisive in clinching the title after three sudden death holes against Spaun.
Tommy Fleetwood’s Bold but Faltering Contest
Tommy Fleetwood began the final day as the 54-hole leader and appeared poised for his first career PGA Tour win. After opening with a bogey, he held steady with 10 straight pars before breaking through with a 33-foot birdie on hole 12. However, a collapse on the back nine saw him fall out of contention by the tournament’s close, finishing behind Rose and Spaun on the leaderboard.
FedEx Cup Playoffs: Standings and Impact
With the St. Jude Championship wrapping up, the FedEx Cup playoffs advance to the second leg — the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club near Baltimore, Maryland. The playoff structure multiplies points by four, awarding 2,000 points to the winner of each stage.
Post-tournament, the FedEx Cup standings have seen considerable movement. Notably, Justin Rose’s victory has boosted his position, while other top contenders like Rory McIlroy, who skipped the event, remain near the summit. The top 50 players in points have qualified for the BMW Championship, including five players who cracked the top 50 after the St. Jude Championship:
- Kurt Kitayama (52 to 37)
- Bud Cauley (46 to 53)
- Rickie Fowler (48 to 64)
- Jhonattan Vegas (49 to 56)
- J.T. Poston (50 to 51)
Scottie Scheffler continues to lead the FedEx Cup standings, closely followed by Rory McIlroy, demonstrating consistent performance through the season. The progression to BMW Championship sees intensified competition as the field narrows, with players looking to secure one of the coveted spots in the Tour Championship’s final leg.
Looking Ahead: BMW Championship and Beyond
The BMW Championship is set to test the field’s form and stamina at a new venue this season, with players eager to capitalize on the FedEx Cup points available. With the FedEx Cup playoffs designed to reward peak performance, every shot at Caves Valley Golf Club could prove pivotal in the chase for the overall FedEx Cup title and the lucrative rewards that come with it.
Overall, the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship provided thrilling drama and significant shifts in the playoff landscape, highlighting the stakes and excitement of the PGA Tour’s season climax.