Golf fans often show more enthusiasm for the regular season than the playoffs. Many might have assumed the PGA TOUR 2026 season concluded after the British Open. In truth, the FedExCup Playoffs kick off this week starting with the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. With 69 top-ranked golfers due to Daniel Berger’s withdrawal, the stakes are high. The top 50 advance to next week’s BMW Championship.
Course Insights and Strategy
TPC Southwind stretches 7,288 yards as a par-70 course. It emphasizes precision in iron play. Water hazards are frequent, and Bermuda greens present challenges. Missed approaches can lead to bogeys, making ball-striking and course management crucial.
2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship: Best Bets
Here are the top picks based on early betting odds.
- Hideki Matsuyama: +3300 at DraftKings, Top-10 with ties +240 at Kalshi
- Viktor Hovland: +4356 at Kalshi, Top-10 with ties +275 at BetMGM
- Justin Thomas: +5146 at Polymarket, Top-10 with ties +275 at BetMGM
- Tom Kim: +5500 at DraftKings, Top-20 with ties +146 at Kalshi
- Rickie Fowler: +8481 at Polymarket, Top-20 with ties +189 at Kalshi
Player Analyses
Hideki Matsuyama has consistently shown strong performance at TPC Southwind, with five Top-20 finishes. He holds excellent course history, backed by a solid skillset in driving accuracy, putting, and short-game. Matsuyama enters this championship on a high note with recent strong finishes.
Viktor Hovland demonstrates toughness, evidenced by a recent Travelers Championship win. Precise iron play at TPC Southwind benefits Hovland, who maintains an edge in strokes gained on approach in major tournaments this year.
Justin Thomas has a record of performing well at similar courses with water hazards. His accuracy has improved recently, surpassing his weaknesses. With eight top-20 placings this season, Thomas enters this tournament with promising odds.
Tom Kim impresses with a strong showing at the Wyndham Championship and the Genesis Scottish Open victory. Accuracy in tee shots and iron play suits TPC Southwind, making him a strong contender for this course.
Rickie Fowler shows solid lead-in form with three consecutive top-20 finishes. Last season, he showed strong ball-striking at TPC Southwind and has continued to excel this year. Fowler is expected to perform well this weekend.
‘One-and-Done’ Pick: Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland is chosen for the Mayo Cup with competitive earnings this season.