PGA Tour's Memphis Exit: Why Losing the FedEx St. Jude Championship Stings

A Blowout Win With an Asterisk

Scottie Scheffler didn't just win the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind — he obliterated the field. His 17-under 263 gave him an eight-stroke margin over runner-up Si Woo Kim, the largest victory margin on the PGA Tour this season. It was the kind of performance that reminds golf fans why Memphis has been a reliable playoff stop for years.

But here's the catch: this dominant showing might be one of the last big-name spectacles Memphis gets to host. The city is currently slated for only one more FedEx St. Jude Championship, in 2027, before the PGA Tour reportedly shifts its playoff lineup elsewhere.

Why Memphis Is on the Chopping Block

The FedExCup Playoffs have become a hot commodity, with cities and courses competing for a limited number of slots each season. Memphis has been a fixture in the rotation, but the PGA Tour has been reshuffling its playoff calendar to test new markets and venues — a trend that's left longtime host cities like Memphis feeling like they're on thin ice.

Fans and local officials have pointed to moments like Scheffler's masterclass as proof that Memphis still delivers world-class golf theater. Sam Burns, who tied for third, said the outcome felt almost predetermined once Scheffler found his rhythm — a testament to the quality of competition TPC Southwind consistently attracts.

What's Actually at Stake

Losing playoff status isn't just about prestige. It affects local tourism dollars, charitable giving tied to the tournament (the event benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital), and the city's standing as a golf destination. Memphis has built infrastructure and community support around this event for years — pulling the plug could ripple beyond the golf course.

Is There Still Hope?

With one more tournament guaranteed in 2027, there's a window — however small — for the PGA Tour to reconsider. Strong performances, fan turnout, and continued advocacy from local stakeholders could sway future scheduling decisions. It's not a done deal yet, but the clock is ticking.

The Bottom Line

Scheffler's runaway win was a showcase of what Memphis brings to the table: drama, star power, and a course that tests the best in the world. Whether that's enough to keep the FedEx St. Jude Championship in the rotation beyond 2027 remains to be seen, but golf fans in the Mid-South are hoping the Tour takes notice before it's too late.