The Heart of the Matter: St. Jude at the Center
The single most important tradition is the profound integration of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. This isn't a mere branding exercise; it's the tournament's soul. Fans witness this connection firsthand all week. A powerful tradition involves
St. Jude patients greeting the final groups of golfers on the 18th green on Sunday, a poignant reminder of what the event is truly about. Throughout the week, patient-created artwork is featured on caddie bibs, headcovers, and other merchandise, turning the entire course into a gallery of hope. Fans can even bid on memorabilia signed by top players in the Birdies for St. Jude Auction, directly supporting the hospital's mission. This tradition transforms passive spectating into active participation in a life-saving cause.
'Hush Y'all': A Uniquely Memphis Command
At most golf tournaments, marshals raise generic 'Quiet Please' signs. In Memphis, they have their own cherished version: purple paddles that read 'Hush Y'all'. It’s a small touch that speaks volumes about the event's local identity. Fans know that when the 'Hush Y'all' signs go up, it’s time for respectful silence as a player addresses their shot. The signs have become a beloved piece of merchandise, allowing fans to take a piece of the tournament's specific culture home with them. It’s a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and sporting reverence that you won’t find anywhere else on the PGA Tour.
A Food Festival Disguised as a Golf Tournament
Forget standard stadium fare. The fan experience at TPC Southwind is a culinary tour of Memphis itself. Organizers lean heavily into the city's renowned food scene, offering everything from iconic Memphis BBQ nachos and pulled pork to tacos and other creations from award-winning local chefs. This focus on high-quality, local food elevates the entire day. For 2026, the tournament expanded its 'Grounds+' ticket program, which includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks from market-style concession stands, making it easier for fans to sample everything without constantly pulling out their wallets. It's an intentional move to ensure the fan experience is as much about enjoying Memphis culture as it is about watching elite golf.
The 18th Green Finale
While many tournaments have dramatic finishing holes, the 18th at TPC Southwind is steeped in a special kind of community spirit. As the championship concludes, St. Jude patients serve as honorary pin flag caddies, creating a memorable and often emotional conclusion to the competition. One of the most heartwarming sights for fans is the large 'We ♥ St. Jude' banner often draped from a house near the 18th hole, a visual anchor of the community's decades-long support. This final walk is a powerful confluence of sport and purpose, where the crowning of a champion is shared with the children who inspire the event.
More Than a Walk in the Park
The modern fan experience is about more than just following a favorite group for 18 holes. The tournament is dotted with numerous fan zones designed for socializing and relaxation. Venues like 'The Dock' by the water on hole 14, and 'The Backyard' near the 18th fairway, offer comfortable seating and specialty drinks, allowing fans to take a break without missing the atmosphere. Given the August heat in Memphis, the course is also equipped with shaded bleachers and misting fans to keep spectators comfortable. These hubs transform the course from a simple playing field into a sprawling, comfortable social venue where fans can craft their own perfect day.
