The Playoff Gauntlet Begins
Think of the FedEx Cup Playoffs as the PGA Tour's postseason. After 34 regular-season events, only the top 70 players in the points standings earn a ticket to the first playoff event in Memphis. This year, with Daniel Berger withdrawing, a field of 69
players will tee it up at TPC Southwind from August 13-16. Unlike regular tournaments, there is no 36-hole cut; every player is guaranteed to play all four rounds. But that doesn't mean the pressure is off. In fact, it's just the opposite. Their goal is not just to win the tournament, but to survive and advance.
The All-Important Cut to 50
Here's where the "crucial" part truly kicks in. At the end of the tournament on Sunday, the FedEx Cup standings are re-evaluated. Only the top 50 players on that list will advance to the next event, the BMW Championship. For the roughly 20 players who start the week ranked from 51st to 70th, this is a do-or-die moment. A great performance can vault them inside the top 50, keeping their championship hopes alive. A poor showing means their season is over. This brutal cutdown is what makes the St. Jude Championship one of the most dramatic tournaments of the year, as players on the bubble fight for their professional lives.
A Mountain of Points and Money
To amplify the drama, playoff events offer significantly more FedEx Cup points than regular-season tournaments. A win at the FedEx St. Jude is worth 750 points, four times the amount of many tour stops. This provides a massive opportunity for players to make a significant leap up the leaderboard. Someone who enters the week ranked 65th could rocket into the top 30 with a victory. The financial stakes are also enormous. The tournament boasts a $20 million purse, with the winner taking home a $3.6 million check. Performing well here not only gets you closer to the FedEx Cup's ultimate prize but also provides a huge payday.
Securing Status for Next Season
Advancing past Memphis is about more than just this year's title hunt; it has major implications for the 2027 season. All 70 players who qualify for the playoffs automatically secure their PGA Tour card for the following year. However, making it into the top 50 guarantees entry into the PGA Tour's prestigious Signature Events—limited-field tournaments with big purses and elite competition. Those who get cut after this week will have to compete in the FedExCup Fall series to try and earn their way into those premier events. So, a good week at TPC Southwind sets a player up for success long after the 2026 champion is crowned.
A Storied Venue and a Worthy Cause
The event’s importance is heightened by its location and history. TPC Southwind in Memphis is known as one of the tougher courses on tour, a par-70 layout that rewards precision and penalizes mistakes with its narrow fairways and numerous water hazards. The tournament has also been a staple in Memphis since 1958 and has a long-standing charitable relationship with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded in the city. This connection adds a layer of community and purpose, reminding everyone that while seasons and careers are on the line, the event also serves a cause much bigger than golf.
