Rory McIlroy struggled in the opening round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, shooting a 74 to fall behind in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, while Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler showed strong form in Memphis.
Rory McIlroy’s return to tournament action at the FedEx St. The Irish Times was marred by a disastrous finish, leaving the world No. 2 at 74 — four-over par — after a final-hole double bogey at TPC Southwind in Memphis. The Northern Irishman, playing his first event since The Open, stumbled on the 18th hole after driving into water, sealing a disappointing start to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. McIlroy’s performance contrasted sharply with that of Jordan Spieth, who opened with a 65 to share the lead, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who carded a 68 alongside McIlroy in their marquee group.
McIlroy’s Disappointing Start and Playoff Implications
McIlroy’s round began strongly but unraveled on the final three holes. After remaining level par through 15, he dropped shots on 16 and 17 before a double bogey on the 18th. The 74 left him 12th in a 70-player field, far from the top 50 needed to advance to the BMW Championship. Despite the setback, McIlroy’s position ensured he would not miss the next playoff event, with the FedEx Cup’s three-tournament structure offering multiple chances to climb the standings.
The FedEx Cup Playoffs, which began with the St. Jude Championship, feature a $20 million purse and no cut, allowing players to rebuild over the weekend. Only the top 50 in the season-long standings progress to the BMW Championship, with the top 30 qualifying for the Tour Championship, where the FedExCup champion will be crowned. The winner of the final event earns $10m (£7.4m) and a five-year PGA Tour exemption.
Spieth’s Comeback and Scheffler’s Patience Pay Off
I just tried to come into this week and just be as patient, non-reactive as possible, dumb it down to try to win the golf tournament and not worry about anything else,
Spieth said, crediting his approach for his strong start.
Scottie Scheffler, paired with McIlroy in the opening rounds, showcased his trademark patience, shooting a 68. I felt like I hit a lot of quality shots with my irons. I did a good job of being patient and not trying to force it too much,
Scheffler said. His composed play reflected the strategic focus required in the playoffs, where maintaining consistency is key. Fellow European Tommy Fleetwood also impressed, carding a 66 highlighted by an eagle on the third hole.
Shane Lowry, another European, posted a one-under 69, recovering from a double bogey on the 11th to stay in contention. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre struggled with an 82, the worst round of the day. The field’s diversity highlighted the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, where players like Spieth — previously seen as long shots — can surge into contention.
What’s Next for McIlroy and the Playoffs
McIlroy faces a crucial task in the next two days. His performance in Memphis, while disappointing, leaves room for a comeback, as the playoffs’ structure allows for significant movement in the standings.
The St. Jude Championship’s second round will see key players like McIlroy, Spieth, and Scheffler vie for position ahead of the BMW Championship. For McIlroy, the challenge is clear: turn his early struggles into a late surge.
Key Players and Their Playoff Pathways
While McIlroy’s struggles dominated headlines, other players carved out their own narratives. Spieth’s 65 positioned him as a dark horse, while Scheffler’s 68 reinforced his status as the favorite. European players like Fleetwood and Lowry also showed resilience, with Fleetwood noting, Shooting under par on this golf course is very good.
The depth of the field underscores the high stakes of the playoffs, where every stroke can alter a player’s chances of claiming the FedExCup title.
The FedEx Cup’s 2026 season has already seen dramatic shifts, with the playoffs serving as the ultimate test of consistency and adaptability. As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on how players like McIlroy navigate the challenges of TPC Southwind and the broader implications for their season-ending goals.
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