Power Rankings: FedEx St. Jude Championship

The FedEx St. Jude Championship marks the beginning of the three-tournament FedExCup Playoffs, where 70 of the top golfers compete to claim the ultimate title. Hosted at TPC Southwind for the third time, this par 70 course is known for its challenging layout, rewarding those who excel in ball-striking and penalizing those who struggle with consistency.

Top 15 Players to Watch:

1. Rory McIlroy (NIR)
   The three-time FedExCup champion enters as the 3-seed, with an outstanding 2024 season that includes three wins, and a strong track record at TPC Southwind.

2. Scottie Scheffler (USA)
   Despite not having cracked the top 10 at TPC Southwind in previous starts, Scheffler, the top seed, will be motivated to change that narrative.

3. Collin Morikawa (USA)
   Morikawa, fourth in the FedExCup, has been a consistent force, especially in majors, and has performed well at TPC Southwind in past editions.

4. Xander Schauffele (USA)
   Known for his prowess in majors, Schauffele, the 2-seed, is poised for a strong start in the Playoffs, despite a middling performance here last year.

5. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)
   Fleetwood has been in excellent form, highlighted by a T3 finish at TPC Southwind last year, making him a strong contender.

6. Billy Horschel (USA)
   Horschel’s recent performances, including a T2 at The Open, and a solid record at TPC Southwind, make him one to watch.

7. Sahith Theegala (USA)
   With nine top-15 finishes this year, Theegala is positioned well to make a deep run in the Playoffs, starting at TPC Southwind.

8. Patrick Cantlay (USA)
   The 2021 FedExCup champion has had a quieter season but remains a threat, with a strong history of performances at this event.

9. Corey Conners (CAN)
   Conners’ excellent tee-to-green game makes him a perfect fit for TPC Southwind, as shown by his T6 finish last year.

10. Tony Finau (USA)
    Finau has found form at the right time, with multiple top-10s in recent weeks, and a solid history at TPC Southwind.

11. Ludvig Åberg (SWE)
    The young Swede is making his Playoffs debut, but his strengths from tee to green suit TPC Southwind’s demands.

12. Adam Scott (AUS)
    Scott returns to the Playoffs after a strong showing at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open, making him a dark horse.

13. Aaron Rai (ENG)
    Fresh off his breakthrough win at the Wyndham Championship, Rai’s strengths align well with the challenges of TPC Southwind.

14. Sungjae Im (KOR)
    Despite a less-than-stellar finish at the Wyndham, Im has been consistent in non-majors and has performed well at this venue.

15. Russell Henley (USA)
    Henley may have lost some edge on approach, but his ability to maximize opportunities has kept him in contention.

TPC Southwind offers a familiar yet formidable challenge, with its lush rough and small, fast greens. Players who thrive here are often those who can control their ball-striking and make the most of their opportunities on the greens.

Weather Outlook:
Expect temperatures in the 90s with a slight chance of rain and storms on Friday, though wind is not anticipated to be a significant factor.

The FedEx St. Jude Championship promises intense competition as players vie for crucial points to secure their place in the next rounds of the Playoffs.