Sleeper Picks: FedEx St. Jude Championship
As the FedExCup Playoffs progress, the pressure mounts for those seeded outside the top 50. These golfers, needing strong performances to advance, offer intriguing sleeper potential for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
1. Maverick McNealy (+8000) - Outright Winner
- Current Seed: 59th
- McNealy, despite being a non-winner on the PGA TOUR, enters the St. Jude Championship with momentum after a season-best T3 at the 3M Open. His recent form and past performance at TPC Southwind, where he posted solid rounds except for a third-round 75 in 2022, suggest he could surprise this week.
2. Victor Perez (+2000) - Top 5 Finish
- Current Seed: 70th
- Perez, the last qualifier, has shown he can compete under pressure, with three top-five finishes this year, including an impressive fourth-place finish at the Olympics. His familiarity with TPC Southwind and his ability to improve as the tournament progresses make him a strong contender for a top-five finish.
3. Ben Griffin (+600) - Top 10 Finish
- Current Seed: 56th
- Griffin has been a consistent performer this season, with four top-10 finishes. He’s coming off a T7 at the Wyndham Championship and performed well at TPC Southwind last year (T24). With more experience and knowledge of the course, he’s positioned to secure another top 10.
4. Erik van Rooyen (+333) - Top 20 Finish
- Current Seed: 58th
- Van Rooyen, who is vying for a spot on the International Presidents Cup team, has had a mixed season but excels in hitting greens and putting. His previous experience at TPC Southwind (T20 in 2020) and the no-cut format give him a good shot at a top-20 finish.
5. Seamus Power (+125) - Top 30 Finish
- Current Seed: 66th
- Power, despite not recording a top 10 this season, has consistently finished within the top 30, including at TPC Southwind in 2017 and 2018. His steady form and history at this course make him a reliable pick for a top-30 finish.
These sleeper picks highlight golfers who are under the radar but possess the potential to make a significant impact at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Their current form, course history, and the high stakes of the Playoffs combine to create opportunities for these players to exceed expectations.
