FedEx St. Jude Championship Tournament History | From Westchester Origins to Memphis’s Premier Playoff Event
FedEx St. Jude Championship Tournament History: A Storied Beginning in the Northeast
The roots of the FedEx St. Jude Championship stretch back to 1967, when the event made its debut as the Westchester Classic in New York. Originally launched as a charitable pro-am across Apawamis and Westchester Country Clubs, it quickly rose in prestige with legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Seve Ballesteros claiming early victories. Over time, the tournament changed names—from the Buick Classic to The Barclays, and later The Northern Trust—yet it consistently delivered some of the strongest fields in golf.
Transitioning to the FedExCup Playoffs
A major turning point came in 2007 when the tournament earned its place as the inaugural event in the FedExCup Playoffs. Still based in the New York metro area, it welcomed the Top 125 players to kick off the postseason drama. As the FedExCup format evolved, so did the field—narrowing to the Top 70 players after 2023. Big names like Steve Stricker, Vijay Singh, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Jason Day all added their chapters to this playoff legacy.
A New Era Begins in Memphis
In 2021, the tournament shifted its home base to TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee—aligning with FedEx headquarters and deepening its connection to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. By 2022, the event officially adopted the name FedEx St. Jude Championship. The move brought new energy and purpose, amplifying charitable contributions that have supported St. Jude’s mission since 1970 and generated tens of millions of dollars in support.
Home to Record-Setting Champions
TPC Southwind has proven itself as a stage for excellence. Winners like Will Zalatoris, Tony Finau, and Hideki Matsuyama have elevated the event’s prestige in recent years. In 2023, Lucas Glover claimed the title, while Dustin Johnson’s historic 254 (-30) remains the tournament record. With no cut in the format, every player competes all four days—intensifying the pressure and rewarding consistency.
The Importance of the Playoff Opener
As the first step on the path to the FedExCup finale, the FedEx St. Jude Championship is more than just another tournament. It’s where momentum begins to build, where points are earned under pressure, and where only the best stay in contention. The limited field means only the elite tee off, creating an unmatched intensity from the opening round.
Memphis: More Than Just a Host City
Memphis isn’t just a new location—it’s the tournament’s heartbeat. TPC Southwind challenges players with strategic layouts while drawing passionate crowds who appreciate both the competition and the cause. The long-standing relationship with St. Jude gives the event an emotional weight that resonates far beyond the leaderboard.
Your Front Row Seat to the 2025 FedEx Playoffs
As August 2025 approaches, anticipation builds for the return of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. From its classic roots in Westchester to its charitable soul in Memphis, this tournament represents everything great about PGA TOUR golf: tradition, top-tier performance, and purpose.
Join us for the opening act of the FedExCup Playoffs at TPC Southwind. Watch legends rise, playoff dreams take shape, and Memphis hospitality shine. Secure your spot now and be part of a championship moment that’s bigger than the game itself.
Discover more about Barracuda Championship – Tournament History