🏆 The 2025 FedEx Cup Playoffs kick off with the FedEx St. Jude Championship on August 7-10 at TPC Southwind. With a total purse of $20 million and $3.6 million for the winner, this elite tournament features only the top 70 players from the FedEx Cup standings. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy has opted out, making it a 69-player field. Only the top 50 finishers will advance to the BMW Championship. Korean stars Sungjae Im (29th) and Si Woo Kim (46th) have both secured their spots in this prestigious playoff opener.
Rory McIlroy Skips 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship: Complete Field List, Prize Money & Playoff Guide
⭐ Tournament Overview & Key Information
The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship marks the opening salvo of the PGA Tour’s season-culminating playoff series. Held at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, over four days, this premium tournament is exclusively reserved for the top 70 players based on their FedEx Cup points accumulated throughout the regular season.
In a significant development, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy has announced his withdrawal from the event, reducing the field to 69 players. This strategic decision follows his disappointing T68 finish at the same venue in 2024 and his stated intention to reduce his tournament schedule.
🏆 Prize Money & Purse Distribution
| Position | Prize Money | FedEx Cup Points |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | $3,600,000 | 2,000 |
| 2nd Place | $2,160,000 | 1,200 |
| 3rd Place | $1,360,000 | 760 |
| 10th Place | $400,000 | 200 |
| 70th Place | $40,000 | 12 |
Total Purse: $20,000,000 | FedEx Cup Points Quadrupled
📋 Complete 2025 Field List (By FedEx Cup Standings)
🥇 TOP 10 (Tour Championship Automatic Qualifiers)
Points: 4,805.967
Points: 3,444.328 (WITHDRAWN)
Points: 2,595.307
Points: 2,390.884
Points: 2,279.907
Points: 2,274.913
Points: 2,232.268
Points: 2,144.131
Points: 1,782.791
Points: 1,748.967
🥈 11-30 (Tour Championship Contenders)
1,672.214
1,624.625
1,619.990
1,558.584
1,488.235
1,464.474
1,438.288
1,437.914
1,427.158
1,412.669
1,308.979 (Defending Champion)
1,306.461
1,275.202
1,266.332
1,219.893
1,209.606
1,190.625
1,181.502
1,172.147 🇰🇷
1,166.900
🥉 31-50 (BMW Championship Qualifiers)
1,158.104
1,126.249
1,110.614
1,103.535
1,080.392
1,079.668
1,070.313
1,034.848
1,033.723
1,026.111
1,016.591
953.351
941.000
929.309
908.990
881.749 🇰🇷
871.386
864.638
852.873
851.223
⚔️ 51-70 (Fighting for Survival)
849.645
841.559
831.045
828.333
811.189
782.731
768.387
725.800
703.512
689.953
682.049
672.481
667.592
665.125
651.705
644.628
636.669
634.445
625.333
619.596
🚨 Why Rory McIlroy Withdrew from the FedEx St. Jude Championship
📰 McIlroy’s Strategic Decision
Rory McIlroy announced his withdrawal from the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, a decision he telegraphed months in advance. Speaking with The Telegraph in November 2024, McIlroy stated: “I’ll probably not play the first playoff event in Memphis. I mean, I finished basically dead last there this year (tied for 68th in a 70-man field) and only moved down one spot in the playoff standings.”
🎯 The Numbers Behind the Decision
- Current FedEx Cup Position: 2nd (3,444.328 points)
- 2024 St. Jude Performance: T68 in 70-player field
- Tour Record at TPC Southwind: Never won, missed cut in 2022
- Financial Impact: Forgoing potential $3.6 million winner’s share
- Strategic Benefit: Guaranteed BMW Championship qualification
🔄 New Tour Championship Format Impact
Golf analyst Dan Rapaport suggests McIlroy’s decision reflects the new Tour Championship format changes. With starting strokes eliminated for 2025, players no longer need to accumulate maximum points throughout the playoffs, as the slate is wiped clean before the season finale at East Lake.
🏆 2025 FedEx Cup Playoffs Schedule & Format
📅 Three-Event Playoff Series
- Round 1: FedEx St. Jude Championship
📍 August 7-10 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN
👥 Field: 70 players → Top 50 advance - Round 2: BMW Championship
📍 August 14-17 | Caves Valley Golf Club, Maryland
👥 Field: 50 players → Top 30 advance - Round 3: Tour Championship
📍 August 21-24 | East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, GA
👥 Field: 30 players → FedEx Cup Champion crowned
💰 FedEx Cup Bonus Pool: $100 million (Champion: $10 million)
⚡ New 2025 Format Changes
The Tour Championship has eliminated starting strokes for 2025. All 30 qualifiers will begin at even par, with the best four-round score determining the FedEx Cup Champion. This change increases volatility and ensures the season finale truly determines the champion based on performance, not points accumulation.
🇰🇷 Korean Players’ FedEx Cup Legacy
🥇 Sungjae Im (29th Position)
The highest-ranked Korean player entering the playoffs, Sungjae Im has established himself as a consistent performer in the FedEx Cup system. His career highlight remains a T2 finish at the 2022 Tour Championship, the best-ever result by a Korean player. Im has qualified for six consecutive Tour Championships (2019-2024), demonstrating remarkable consistency at the highest level.
⚡ Si Woo Kim (46th Position)
The 2017 Players Championship winner at age 22, Si Woo Kim achieved one of the most significant victories in Korean golf history. His two PGA Tour wins before age 25 place him among elite company globally. Kim successfully qualified for the 2024 Tour Championship, finishing 32nd, and enters this year’s playoffs with strong momentum after securing BMW Championship qualification.
📊 Korean Players’ Historical Achievements
- Sungjae Im: 2022 Tour Championship T2 (Career-best Korean finish)
- Si Woo Kim: 2024 Tour Championship 32nd place
- Byeong Hun An: 2024 Tour Championship 16th place
- Joohyung Kim: 2024 Tour Championship qualifier
- K.H. Lee: Multiple playoff appearances
🎯 2025 Outlook for Korean Golf
With both Im and Kim securing playoff spots, Korean golf continues its upward trajectory on the PGA Tour. Im’s 29th position virtually guarantees Tour Championship qualification, while Kim’s 46th ranking provides a solid platform for advancement through the BMW Championship.
💰 Winner Benefits & Tournament Perks
🎁 Champion Rewards
- 💰 Winner’s Prize: $3,600,000
- 🏆 FedEx Cup Points: 2,000 points (4x multiplier)
- 🎯 2026 Season Benefits: Automatic entry to all Signature Events
- 🏌️ Tour Status: Full 2026 season exemption
- 🏅 Masters Tournament: Automatic 2026 Masters invitation
- ⭐ Players Championship: Guaranteed 2026 entry
⭐ Top 50 Benefits
The top 50 finishers who advance to the BMW Championship secure automatic qualification for all eight 2026 Signature Events and The Players Championship. This represents access to tournaments worth over $200 million in total purses, making playoff advancement extremely valuable for career trajectory.
🏆 No-Cut Format Advantage
Unlike regular PGA Tour events, the FedEx St. Jude Championship features a no-cut format, guaranteeing all 69 players four rounds of competition and prize money. The 70th place finisher still earns $40,000 and 12 FedEx Cup points.
🏌️ TPC Southwind Course Profile
TPC Southwind has hosted Memphis golf tournaments since 1989, establishing itself as one of the PGA Tour’s premier playoff venues. The par-71, 7,243-yard layout demands precision and distance control, creating an ideal test for determining playoff advancement.
🎯 Signature Holes
- 11th Hole (Par 3): The iconic “Island Green” hole featuring a green surrounded by water hazards
- 18th Hole (Par 4): 435-yard finishing hole where championship drama unfolds
- 14th Hole (Par 5): Long par-5 offering eagle opportunities alongside significant risk
- 16th Hole (Par 4): Strategic driving hole with water down the left side
📈 Scoring Statistics
The course typically plays to scoring averages around 70.5-71.2, with winning scores ranging from 15-20 under par. Wind conditions and pin positions significantly impact daily scoring, making course management crucial for playoff success.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Rory McIlroy skip the FedEx St. Jude Championship?
A: McIlroy made a strategic decision based on his poor 2024 performance (T68) and his secure No. 2 FedEx Cup position. He indicated in November 2024 that he would likely skip Memphis, preferring to rest and prepare for the BMW Championship where his qualification is virtually guaranteed.
Q: What does the 4x FedEx Cup points system mean?
A: During the first two playoff events, all FedEx Cup points are quadrupled compared to regular season events. The winner receives 2,000 points instead of 500, while even 70th place earns 12 points instead of 3. This creates dramatic potential for ranking changes.
Q: Which Korean player has the best chance to win?
A: Sungjae Im, ranked 29th, enters as the highest-positioned Korean player with a strong track record at TPC Southwind and in playoff events. His consistent ball-striking and course management skills suit the demanding layout well.
Q: How can I watch the tournament?
A: The tournament airs live on Golf Channel and NBC, with streaming available on Peacock and the NBC Sports app. International viewers can access coverage through PGA Tour Live on ESPN+.
Q: What happens if weather affects the tournament?
A: The PGA Tour has contingency plans for weather delays, including potential Monday completion if necessary. The no-cut format provides flexibility for scheduling adjustments while ensuring all players complete 72 holes.
🏁 Tournament Outlook & Predictions
The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship presents a unique opportunity with Rory McIlroy’s absence creating additional space for other contenders. The $20 million purse and quadrupled FedEx Cup points make this one of the year’s most consequential events for the 69 competing players.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the overwhelming favorite, seeking to extend his dominant 2025 season. Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama returns to defend his title, while rising stars like Ludvig Åberg and established veterans like Xander Schauffele present formidable challenges.
For Korean golf fans, the tournament represents a crucial opportunity for both Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim to advance their playoff positions. Im’s 29th ranking provides excellent positioning for a Tour Championship berth, while Kim’s 46th position offers a solid foundation for BMW Championship qualification.
The four-day competition from August 7-10 at TPC Southwind promises to deliver exceptional drama, with career-defining moments awaiting players fighting for playoff advancement and those seeking their first major playoff victory.
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