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St. Jude Classic
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The FedEx St. Jude Classic was a professional golf tournament held in Memphis, Tennessee, as a regular event on the PGA Tour. The tournament was held annually from 1958 through 2018, and was played in June at TPC Southwind (since 1989).
Key Information
In 2019, FedEx took over sponsorship of the WGC Invitational and relocated it to Memphis in late July. The WGC event continued the charitable relationship with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and was renamed WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational[4][5] For the 2022 season, the WGC Invitational was discontinued, and the first FedEx Cup playoff event was relocated to TPC Southwind with FedEx as the new title sponsor and became the FedEx St. Jude Championship.[6]
History
[edit]The tournament debuted 67 years ago in May 1958 as the Memphis Open and was played annually at Colonial Country Club in Memphis through 1971, then at the club's new home in Cordova through 1988. The late Vernon Bell, a Memphis restaurateur, co-founded the tournament and served as its general chairman for 22 years.[7] He is also the father of the late Chris Bell.[8]
St. Jude
[edit]In 1969, entertainer Danny Thomas (1912–1991) agreed to lend his name to the tournament in exchange for his St. Jude Children's Research Hospital becoming the tournament's charity. Accordingly, the tournament changed its name the following year to the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic.
In 1977, President Gerald Ford, who had left office in January, made a hole-in-one during the tournament's celebrity pro-am while playing with Thomas and Ben Crenshaw.[9][10] Two days later, Al Geiberger shot a PGA Tour record 59 (−13) in the second round with eleven birdies and an eagle.[11][12] He needed a rally on Sunday to win by three strokes at 273 (–15).[13]
Since partnering with the tournament, more than $66 million has been raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.[14]
Federal Express
[edit]In 1986, Memphis-based courier Federal Express became the title sponsor. For the first three years of their sponsorship, FedEx increased the purse one dollar for each package they shipped on the Friday of the tournament.[15][16][17] The purses went from $500,000 to $605,912 in 1986, from $600,000 to $724,043 in 1987, and from $750,000 to $953,842 in 1988.
The Stanford Financial Group took over as the tournament's title sponsor in 2007, and it was renamed Stanford St. Jude Championship. In 2009, the tournament changed its name to St. Jude Classic,[18] following accusations that the Stanford Financial Group was a Ponzi scheme. FedEx returned as title sponsor in 2011, and has remained though the standard tournament era, the WGC version (2019–2021), and Playoffs era (since 2022).[19]
TPC Southwind
[edit]The event's final edition at Colonial Country Club in Cordova was 37 years ago in 1988. It moved to its present location at TPC Southwind in Memphis in 1989.
The purse in 2018 was $6.6 million, with a winner's share of $1.188 million.
Tournament highlights
[edit]- 1958: Billy Maxwell wins the first Memphis Open. He beats Cary Middlecoff by one shot.[20]
- 1961: Local favorite Cary Middlecoff beats Gardner Dickinson and Mike Souchak by five shots.[21]
- 1965: Jack Nicklaus, who played in Memphis very infrequently, beats Johnny Pott on the first hole of a sudden death playoff.[22]
- 1966: Bert Yancey wins by five shots over Gene Littler but only after nearly missing his Sunday tee time. A last moment phone call from his caddy kept Yancey from being disqualified.[23]
- 1967: Dave Hill goes wire-to-wire for his first Memphis win. He defeats Johnny Pott by two shots.[24]
- 1970: Dave Hill becomes the first Memphis winner to successfully defend his title. He defeats Homero Blancas, Frank Beard, and Bob Charles by one shot.[25]
- 1971: Lee Trevino wins in Memphis for the first time. He defeats Jerry Heard, Hale Irwin, Lee Elder and Randy Wolff by four shots.[26]
- 1973: Dave Hill earns his 4th and final Memphis win. He beats Allen Miller and Lee Trevino by one shot.[27]
- 1977: Al Geiberger shoots a second round 59 (the first 59 in a PGA Tour event), then holds on to win the tournament by three shots over Gary Player and Jerry McGee.[28]
- 1980: Lee Trevino triumphs in Memphis for the third and final time. He beats Tom Purtzer by one shot.[29]
- 1981: After making a birdie on the 72nd hole to win by two shots over Tom Kite and Bruce Lietzke, Jerry Pate leaps into the lake adjoining the 18th green.[30]
- 1986: Mike Hulbert birdies the 72nd hole for his first ever PGA Tour win. He wins by one shot over his roommate for the week, Joey Sindelar.[31]
- 1987: Mike McGee becomes one of just eight PGA Tour players with an 18-putt round. Despite the feat, McGee missed the cut.[32]
- 1992: Jay Haas shoots 64–64 over the last 36 holes to win by three shots over Dan Forsman and Robert Gamez.[33]
- 1994: PGA Tour rookie Dicky Pride beats Gene Sauers and Hal Sutton in a playoff with a birdie on the first hole.
- 1996: John Cook shoots a PGA Tour record 189 for 54 holes on his way to a seven shot win over John Adams.[34]
- 1997: Greg Norman birdies the final three holes to beat Dudley Hart by one shot.[35]
- 2000: Notah Begay III beats Bob May and Chris DiMarco by one shot.[36] It is his first win after being convicted of drunken driving in March of the same year and having to spend seven days in jail.
- 2003: David Toms shoots a final round 64 to get his first of back-to-back Memphis titles. He beats Nick Price by three shots.[37]
- 2005: Justin Leonard ties the record for the highest final round score by a Memphis winner, a 73, on his way to a one-shot victory over David Toms.[38]
- 2010: Lee Westwood defeats Robert Karlsson and Robert Garrigus in a sudden-death playoff after Garrigus comes to the 72nd hole with a three-shot lead before finishing with a triple bogey.[39]
- 2011: After 13 years and 355 starts, Harrison Frazar won his first PGA Tour event after beating Robert Karlsson in a playoff. Frazar was playing on a medical extension after hip surgery and was actually considering retirement before his win. Karlsson lost in a playoff for the second consecutive season.
- 2017: Daniel Berger becomes the first golfer since David Toms to win back-to-back.
Course
[edit]| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yards | 434 | 401 | 554 | 196 | 485 | 445 | 482 | 178 | 457 | 3,632 | 465 | 162 | 406 | 472 | 239 | 395 | 530 | 490 | 453 | 3,612 | 7,244 |
| Par | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 35 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 70 |
Source:[3]
Winners
[edit]| Year | Winner | Score | To par | Margin of victory |
Runner(s)-up | Purse ($) |
Winner's share ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx St. Jude Classic | ||||||||
| 2018 |  Dustin Johnson (2) |
261 | −19 | 6 strokes | Andrew Putnam |
6,600,000 | 1,188,000 | |
| 2017 | Daniel Berger (2) |
270 | −10 | 1 stroke |  Kim Meen-whee Charl Schwartzel |
6,400,000 | 1,152,000 | |
| 2016 | Daniel Berger |
267 | −13 | 3 strokes | Brooks Koepka Phil Mickelson Steve Stricker |
6,200,000 | 1,116,000 | |
| 2015 |  Fabián Gómez |
267 | −13 | 4 strokes |  Greg Owen |
6,000,000 | 1,080,000 | |
| 2014 | Ben Crane |
270 | –10 | 1 stroke | Troy Merritt |
5,800,000 | 1,044,000 | |
| 2013 | Harris English |
268 | −12 | 2 strokes | Phil Mickelson Scott Stallings |
5,700,000 | 1,026,000 | |
| 2012 | Dustin Johnson |
271 | −9 | 1 stroke | John Merrick |
5,600,000 | 1,008,000 | |
| 2011 | Harrison Frazar |
267 | −13 | Playoff |  Robert Karlsson |
5,600,000 | 1,008,000 | |
| St. Jude Classic | ||||||||
| 2010 | Lee Westwood |
270 | −10 | Playoff | Robert Garrigus Robert Karlsson |
5,600,000 | 1,008,000 | |
| 2009 | Brian Gay |
262 | −18 | 5 strokes | Bryce Molder David Toms |
5,600,000 | 1,008,000 | |
| Stanford St. Jude Championship | ||||||||
| 2008 | Justin Leonard (2) |
276 | −4 | Playoff |  Robert Allenby Trevor Immelman |
6,000,000 | 1,080,000 | |
| 2007 | Woody Austin |
267 | −13 | 5 strokes | Brian Davis |
6,000,000 | 1,080,000 | |
| FedEx St. Jude Classic | ||||||||
| 2006 | Jeff Maggert |
271 | −9 | 3 strokes | Tom Pernice Jr. |
5,200,000 | 936,000 | |
| 2005 | Justin Leonard |
266 | −14 | 1 stroke | David Toms |
4,900,000 | 882,000 | |
| 2004 | David Toms (2) |
268 | −16 | 6 strokes | Bob Estes |
4,700,000 | 846,000 | |
| 2003 | David Toms |
264 | −20 | 3 strokes |  Nick Price |
4,500,000 | 810,000 | |
| 2002 | Len Mattiace |
266 | −18 | 1 stroke | Tim Petrovic |
3,800,000 | 684,000 | |
| 2001 | Bob Estes |
267 | −17 | 1 stroke |  Bernhard Langer |
3,500,000 | 630,000 | |
| 2000 | Notah Begay III |
271 | −13 | 1 stroke | Chris DiMarco Bob May |
3,000,000 | 540,000 | |
| 1999 | Ted Tryba |
265 | −19 | 2 strokes | Tim Herron Tom Lehman |
2,500,000 | 450,000 | |
| 1998 | Nick Price (2) |
268 | −16 | Playoff | Jeff Sluman |
1,800,000 | 324,000 | |
| 1997 | Greg Norman |
268 | −16 | 1 stroke | Dudley Hart |
1,500,000 | 270,000 | |
| 1996 | John Cook |
258 | −26 | 7 strokes | John Adams |
1,350,000 | 243,000 | |
| 1995 | Jim Gallagher Jr. |
267 | −17 | 1 stroke | Jay Delsing Ken Green |
1,250,000 | 225,000 | |
| Federal Express St. Jude Classic | ||||||||
| 1994 | Dicky Pride |
267 | −17 | Playoff | Gene Sauers Hal Sutton |
1,250,000 | 225,000 | |
| 1993 | Nick Price |
266 | −18 | 3 strokes | Rick Fehr Jeff Maggert |
1,100,000 | 198,000 | |
| 1992 | Jay Haas |
263 | −21 | 3 strokes | Dan Forsman Robert Gamez |
1,100,000 | 198,000 | |
| 1991 | Fred Couples |
269 | −15 | 3 strokes | Rick Fehr |
1,000,000 | 180,000 | |
| 1990 | Tom Kite |
269 | −15 | Playoff | John Cook |
1,000,000 | 180,000 | |
| 1989 | John Mahaffey |
272 | −12 | 3 strokes | Bob Gilder Hubert Green Bernhard Langer Bob Tway |
1,000,000 | 180,000 | |
| 1988 | Jodie Mudd |
273 | −15 | 1 stroke | Peter Jacobsen Nick Price |
953,842 | 171,692 | |
| 1987 | Curtis Strange |
275 | −13 | 1 stroke | Russ Cochran Mike Donald Tom Kite Denis Watson |
724,043 | 130,328 | |
| 1986 | Mike Hulbert |
280 | −8 | 1 stroke | Joey Sindelar |
605,912 | 109,064 | |
| St. Jude Memphis Classic | ||||||||
| 1985 | Hal Sutton |
279 | −9 | Playoff | David Ogrin |
500,000 | 90,000 | |
| Danny Thomas Memphis Classic | ||||||||
| 1984 | Bob Eastwood |
280 | −8 | 2 strokes | Ralph Landrum Mark O'Meara Tim Simpson |
500,000 | 90,000 | |
| 1983 | Larry Mize |
274 | −14 | 1 stroke | Chip Beck Sammy Rachels Fuzzy Zoeller |
400,000 | 72,000 | |
| 1982 | Raymond Floyd |
271 | −17 | 6 strokes | Mike Holland |
400,000 | 72,000 | |
| 1981 | Jerry Pate |
274 | −14 | 2 strokes | Tom Kite Bruce Lietzke |
300,000 | 54,000 | |
| 1980 | Lee Trevino (3) |
272 | −16 | 1 stroke | Tom Purtzer |
300,000 | 54,000 | |
| 1979 | Gil Morgan |
278 | −10 | Playoff | Larry Nelson |
300,000 | 54,000 | |
| 1978 | Andy Bean |
277 | −11 | Playoff | Lee Trevino |
250,000 | 50,000 | |
| 1977 | Al Geiberger |
273 | −15 | 3 strokes | Jerry McGee Gary Player |
200,000 | 40,000 | |
| 1976 | Gibby Gilbert |
273 | −15 | 4 strokes | Forrest Fezler John Lister Gil Morgan |
200,000 | 40,000 | |
| 1975 | Gene Littler |
270 | −18 | 5 strokes | John Mahaffey |
175,000 | 35,000 | |
| 1974 | Gary Player |
273 | −15 | 2 strokes | Lou Graham Hubert Green |
175,000 | 35,000 | |
| 1973 | Dave Hill (4) |
283 | −5 | 1 stroke | Allen Miller Lee Trevino |
175,000 | 35,000 | |
| 1972 | Lee Trevino (2) |
281 | −7 | 4 strokes | John Mahaffey |
175,000 | 35,000 | |
| 1971 | Lee Trevino |
268 | −12 | 4 strokes | Lee Elder Jerry Heard Hale Irwin Randy Wolff |
175,000 | 35,000 | |
| 1970 | Dave Hill (3) |
267 | −13 | 1 stroke | Frank Beard Homero Blancas Bob Charles |
150,000 | 30,000 | |
| Memphis Open Invitational | ||||||||
| 1969 | Dave Hill (2) |
265 | −15 | 2 strokes | Lee Elder |
150,000 | 30,000 | |
| 1968 | Bob Lunn |
268 | −12 | 1 stroke | Monty Kaser |
100,000 | 20,000 | |
| 1967 | Dave Hill |
272 | −8 | 2 strokes | Johnny Pott |
100,000 | 20,000 | |
| 1966 | Bert Yancey |
265 | −15 | 5 strokes | Gene Littler |
100,000 | 20,000 | |
| 1965 | Jack Nicklaus |
271 | −9 | Playoff | Johnny Pott |
60,000 | 9,000 | |
| 1964 | Mike Souchak |
270 | −10 | 1 stroke | Billy Casper Tommy Jacobs |
50,000 | 7,500 | |
| 1963 | Tony Lema |
270 | −10 | Playoff | Tommy Aaron |
50,000 | 9,000 | |
| 1962 | Lionel Hebert |
267 | −13 | Playoff | Gene Littler Gary Player |
40,000 | 6,400 | |
| 1961 | Cary Middlecoff |
266 | −14 | 5 strokes | Gardner Dickinson Mike Souchak |
30,000 | 4,300 | |
| 1960 |  Tommy Bolt |
273 | −7 | Playoff | Ben Hogan Gene Littler |
30,000 | 4,300 | |
| Memphis Open | ||||||||
| 1959 |  Don Whitt |
272 | −8 | Playoff |  Al Balding Gary Player |
25,000 | 3,500 | |
| 1958 | Billy Maxwell |
267 | −13 | 1 stroke | Cary Middlecoff |
20,000 | 2,800 | |
Note: Green highlight indicates scoring records.
Sources:[40][41][17][16][15]
References
[edit]- ^ A brief history
- ^ "Inside the course:TPC Southwind". PGA Tour. June 4, 2012. Archived from the original on June 7, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
- ^ a b "Course: TPC Southwind". PGA Tour. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- ^ "FedEx announced as sponsor of World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational". stjudeclassic.com. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
- ^ "PGA Tour to move WGC Bridgestone event from Akron to Memphis". Golf.Com. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
- ^ "PGA Tour to relocate first FedEx Cup Playoffs event to TPC Southwind in Memphis". PGA Tour. September 14, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
- ^ "Vernon Bell profile". Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
- ^ Mehr, Bob (December 28, 2008). "Chris Bell's passion for music still rings true". The Commercial Appeal. Memphis, Tennessee.
- ^ "Sports briefing: Ford finds ace in the hole". Chicago Tribune. June 9, 1977. p. 1, section 10.
- ^ "Sure shot". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. (AP wirephoto). June 9, 1977. p. 4.
- ^ "'Incredible' 59 for Geiberger". Chicago Tribune. wire services. June 11, 1977. p. 1, section 2.
- ^ "Geiberger fires PGA mark 59, 11 birds, eagle". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. June 11, 1977. p. 11.
- ^ "Geiberger needs rally to win". Chicago Tribune. wire services. June 13, 1977. p. 5, section 6.
- ^ "FedEx St. Jude Championship asking for volunteers for the August tournament". localmemphis.com. April 18, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ a b "Length bothers Zoeller". Rome News-Tribune. Rome, Georgia. Associated Press. August 28, 1986. p. 5-B. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
- ^ a b "Strange, Dillard share St. Jude lead". The Modesto Bee. Modesto, California. August 2, 1987. p. F-3. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
- ^ a b "Mudd Leading by Stroke in Bid for First Tour Victory". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. August 7, 1988. p. 8. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
- ^ "Memphis' 2009 Tour stop renamed St. Jude Classic". PGA Tour. March 19, 2009. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- ^ Ross, Helen (December 2, 2010). "2011 schedule includes key change during the Playoffs". PGA Tour. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- ^ Memphis Tourney Won by Maxwell win
- ^ Middlecoff Finds Form
- ^ Nicklaus Wins 'Jackpot' in Memphis
- ^ Yancey Captures Memphis Open Golf
- ^ Dave Hill Wins Memphis Open
- ^ Dave Hill Memphis Winner
- ^ Lee Trevino coasts to Memphis victory
- ^ Dave Hill wins Memphis Classic
- ^ Happy ending for Geiberger
- ^ Trevino outlasts storms for triumph in Memphis
- ^ Pate takes million-dollar dive
- ^ Hulbert scores one-shot Memphis win
- ^ "Fewest number of putts in a round on PGA Tour".
- ^ Haas finally ends tourney drought
- ^ Cook breezes at St. Jude
- ^ Norman nabs first tour win of season
- ^ "Begay Is Steady At the End". The New York Times. Associated Press. June 26, 2000. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016.
- ^ Toms pulls away from crowded leaderboard at St. Jude
- ^ Leonard hangs on to win St. Jude Classic
- ^ Lee Westwood wins St Jude Classic in Memphis
- ^ FedEx St. Jude Classic – Winners Archived 2010-05-29 at the Wayback Machine – at www.stjudeclassic.com
- ^ FedEx St. Jude Classic – Winners – at www.pgatour.com
External links
[edit]St. Jude Classic
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The FedEx St. Jude Championship, formerly known as the St. Jude Classic, is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour that serves as the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs and has long benefited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through fundraising efforts.[1][2]
Established in 1958 as the Memphis Open at Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee, the tournament began with a modest $20,000 purse and was won by Billy Maxwell.[1] In 1970, entertainer and St. Jude founder Danny Thomas partnered with local leaders to rename it the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, designating St. Jude Children's Research Hospital—established by Thomas in 1962 to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases—as its official charity.[1] This partnership has enabled the event to raise over $80 million for the hospital, supporting its mission to treat childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses at no cost to families for treatment, travel, housing, or food, contributing to survival rates that have risen from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today.[1][3]
The tournament underwent several name changes reflecting sponsorships and format evolutions: it became the Federal Express St. Jude Classic in 1986 with FedEx as title sponsor, shortening to FedEx St. Jude Classic in 1995; in 2019, it was elevated to the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational as a limited-field elite event; and since 2022, it has been the FedEx St. Jude Championship, contested by the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings over four days in early August.[1] Since 1989, it has been played at TPC Southwind, a par-70, 7,244-yard course designed by Ron Prichard in consultation with Hubert Green and Fuzzy Zoeller in Memphis, offering a $20 million purse in recent years with 2,000 FedExCup points to the winner.[1][2][4] Notable past champions include golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Cary Middlecoff, and modern stars such as Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson, underscoring its prestige within the PGA Tour schedule.[1]
Following 2018, the event transitioned to the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in 2019 and later became the FedEx St. Jude Championship, maintaining its commitment to raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with proceeds exceeding $80 million as of 2025.[1]
Overview
Tournament Summary
The St. Jude Classic was established in 1958 as the Memphis Open Invitational, a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour held annually in Memphis, Tennessee.[5] It debuted at Colonial Country Club with an initial purse of $20,000 and quickly became a fixture in the tour schedule, typically contested in June or July during its run through 2018.[6] In 1970, the event was renamed the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic to honor entertainer Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which had opened in 1962 and became the tournament's primary beneficiary, with all proceeds directed toward advancing research and treatment for childhood diseases like cancer.[1][7] Over its 61 editions, the St. Jude Classic grew in stature and financial scale, reflecting the PGA Tour's evolution. The purse expanded dramatically from $20,000 in 1958 to $6.6 million by its final staging in 2018, underscoring its role as a key charitable and competitive event.[8] Dustin Johnson claimed victory in that last edition, finishing at 19-under par to secure his second title in the tournament.[9] Following 2018, the tournament's format and status evolved as part of broader PGA Tour changes. It succeeded into the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational from 2019 to 2021, elevating it to World Golf Championships level at TPC Southwind, before transitioning to the FedEx St. Jude Championship in 2022 as the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs, maintaining its Memphis venue and charitable ties to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[10]Charitable Contributions
The St. Jude Classic and its successor events, such as the FedEx St. Jude Championship, have played a pivotal role in supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital since the tournament designated the hospital as its sole beneficiary in 1970.[1] By 2018, at the conclusion of the event under its original name, cumulative contributions exceeded $66 million, with ongoing fundraising through successor tournaments adding more than $14 million by 2025, bringing the total to over $80 million since the partnership began.[1][3] These proceeds have directly funded critical areas of the hospital's mission, including biomedical research, comprehensive patient care, and support services for families. Funds raised have bolstered key initiatives at St. Jude, such as the Danny Thomas Research Center, which drives advancements in pediatric cancer treatment and other catastrophic diseases.[1] For instance, tournament contributions have helped elevate childhood cancer survival rates in the United States from 20% when St. Jude opened in 1962 to over 80% today, through innovations in therapies and protocols shared globally.[1] Additionally, the support enables St. Jude's no-cost treatment policy, ensuring families incur no charges for medical care, travel, housing, or food during a child's treatment—covering daily operating costs exceeding $5.5 million (as of 2025) without billing patients.[1][11] This policy extends to global outreach programs, providing expertise and resources to improve care in resource-limited settings. Celebrity involvement has been central to the tournament's philanthropic success, beginning with entertainer Danny Thomas, who founded St. Jude in 1962 and hosted the event as its general chairman for over two decades.[1] The annual Danny Thomas Pro-Am, a highlight since the 1970s, pairs PGA Tour professionals with entertainers, athletes, and other celebrities—such as former President Gerald Ford and NFL star Terrell Owens in past years—to generate additional funds and awareness.[1] This event also features "Little Loopers," St. Jude patients serving as honorary caddies, fostering meaningful interactions that underscore the tournament's commitment to the hospital's patients and families.[1]History
Founding and Early Years
The Memphis Open Invitational debuted in 1958 at Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee, marking the city's entry into professional golf on the PGA Tour with a modest purse of $20,000.[12][1] Texas native Billy Maxwell claimed the inaugural victory, carding a tournament-record 13-under-par total of 267 to edge out local favorite Cary Middlecoff by one stroke.[5][13] The event remained at Colonial Country Club through its early years, hosting annual competitions from 1958 to 1971 and establishing itself as a fixture in Memphis's sporting landscape.[5] Designed as a 72-hole stroke-play tournament, it featured an invitational field of around 144 professionals, reflecting the PGA Tour's emphasis on selective participation in that era, though a cut was typically applied after 36 holes to determine weekend contenders.[14] In 1969, entertainer Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, requested an association with the tournament to support the hospital's mission of treating pediatric diseases, leading to its renaming as the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic starting in 1970.[15][1] The first edition under the new name was won by Dave Hill, who finished at 8-under par, solidifying the event's charitable focus while maintaining its competitive integrity.[16] From its inception, the tournament wove into Memphis's rich cultural fabric as a hub for music and entertainment, with pro-am pairings often including local celebrities tied to the city's iconic scene, enhancing community engagement alongside its growing philanthropic role for St. Jude.[17]Sponsorship Developments
In 1985, the tournament was renamed the St. Jude Memphis Classic.[16] In 1986, Federal Express (FedEx), a Memphis-based logistics company, became the title sponsor of the tournament, leading to its renaming as the Federal Express St. Jude Classic.[18][19] This partnership lasted for 21 years until 2006, during which FedEx's involvement significantly enhanced the event's visibility and financial stability, aligning with its headquarters location in Memphis to promote local economic ties.[20][21] Following FedEx's withdrawal in 2007, the Stanford Financial Group assumed the title sponsorship, rebranding the event as the Stanford St. Jude Championship for the 2007 and 2008 editions.[22] This period was marred by controversies, culminating in a major financial scandal in early 2009 when U.S. regulators charged Stanford Financial with an $8 billion fraud scheme involving its founder, R. Allen Stanford.[22][23] As a result, the sponsorship was abruptly terminated before the 2009 tournament, leaving the event without a title sponsor that year and the next, reverting simply to the St. Jude Classic name.[24][25] FedEx resumed its title sponsorship in 2011, renaming the tournament the FedEx St. Jude Classic and committing to a multi-year deal that extended through 2018.[18][21] This return markedly boosted the event's prestige and resources, with the purse increasing to $5.6 million in 2011 and reaching $6.6 million by 2018, reflecting FedEx's substantial financial commitment.[26][8] Throughout its sponsorship phases, FedEx integrated its logistics expertise into the tournament's marketing, emphasizing themes of efficiency and global connectivity that resonated with the event's Memphis roots as the company's global hub.[20] Branding evolved with updated logos incorporating FedEx's signature purple and orange colors, alongside promotional campaigns that highlighted community impact and charitable giving to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[27] These efforts not only elevated the tournament's profile but also reinforced its role in driving local philanthropy.[19]Venue Evolution
The St. Jude Classic began in 1958 at Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee, a par-72 layout measuring approximately 6,800 yards that hosted the event through 1971.[5] In 1972, the tournament followed the club's relocation to a larger facility in the Memphis suburb of Cordova, where it remained until 1988; this move accommodated growing attendance and provided updated amenities while maintaining the par-72 configuration at around 7,000 yards.[28][1] The pivotal shift occurred in 1989, when the tournament relocated to TPC Southwind in southeast Memphis, a private course designed by architect Ron Prichard with input from PGA Tour players Hubert Green and Fuzzy Zoeller specifically to host a professional event.[4] Initially a par-71 measuring about 7,000 yards, the layout emphasized strategic play through its 11 water hazards in play on multiple holes, which quickly defined the venue's challenging character and demanded precision from competitors.[29] This transition marked a deliberate upgrade to modern infrastructure capable of supporting larger crowds and broadcast demands, ending the 31-year era at Colonial.[1] TPC Southwind's evolution continued with adjustments to enhance difficulty, including a reconfiguration to par 70 and lengthening to 7,243 yards by 2018, incorporating firmer surrounds and additional yardage on key holes to counter advancing equipment technology.[30] FedEx's longstanding sponsorship facilitated these venue improvements, aligning with the tournament's growth into a FedExCup Playoffs staple.[31]Course and Format
TPC Southwind Details
TPC Southwind, the primary venue for the St. Jude Classic since 1989, is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by architect Ron Prichard with consultation from PGA Tour professionals Hubert Green and Fuzzy Zoeller.[30] The course opened in 1988 and measures 7,288 yards from the championship tees as of the 2025 event, playing to a par of 70.[32][33] It presents significant challenges through water hazards affecting 10 holes, narrow tree-lined fairways, and small greens averaging 4,300 square feet in size, demanding precision from approach shots and putting.[34][35] Among the course's notable features are its key holes, including the par-5 third (554 yards), which offers birdie opportunities for players who navigate a lake bisecting the fairway on the second shot.[36] The par-3 11th (165 yards) requires a precise tee shot to an island green fully surrounded by water, evoking the iconic 17th at TPC Sawgrass.[37] The par-3 14th (215 yards) demands a full carry over water from an elevated tee to a severely undulated green set in a natural amphitheater.[37] Elevation changes across the layout are minimal, but the open design exposes players to variable winds that can influence shot selection and ball flight.[38][39] The course features Champion Bermudagrass greens as resurfaced in the 2025 renovation, paired with Bermuda rough typically grown to 3 inches, which penalizes errant drives with its thick, unpredictable lie.[40][41] Fairways are Zoysia grass for firm, fast playing surfaces.[42] Winning scores at the St. Jude Classic have averaged around 14-under par (266 total) since the tournament's arrival in 1989, reflecting the balance between scoring chances on the par-5s and the defensive nature of the par-4s and water-protected par-3s.[43] Significant renovations occurred in 2004 to modernize the layout, including the addition of 11 new tee boxes, 125 trees, and 15 bunkers to increase difficulty after a record-low winning score the prior year.[30] The course underwent a comprehensive overhaul from late 2024 into 2025 ahead of that year's event, rebuilding all 18 green complexes for the first time since opening, resurfacing them with Champion Bermudagrass, recontouring surrounds with Zeon Zoysia sod for improved drainage and firmness, rebuilding bunkers, expanding tees to PGA Tour standards, and lengthening the overall yardage by approximately 45 yards to 7,288.[44]Tournament Structure
Since 2022, the FedEx St. Jude Championship has been the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs, featuring a field of the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings after the regular season, contested over 72 holes of stroke play with no cut.[45] The lowest cumulative score wins, with ties resolved by sudden-death playoff starting on the 18th hole.[14] The event awards 2,000 FedExCup points to the winner, quadrupling regular-season points, with points distributed to all participants based on finish. Prize money follows the PGA Tour's standard formula, with a $20 million purse as of 2025, allocating $3.6 million (18%) to the winner and smaller shares to others.[46][14] Historically, prior to 2022, the St. Jude Classic was an open invitational with a 156-player field, including PGA Tour priority rankings, sponsor exemptions (up to 10), past champions, and Monday qualifiers for non-exempt players and amateurs; a cut to the low 70 and ties occurred after 36 holes.[47] The tournament was scheduled in June preceding the U.S. Open until 2018; since 2022, it has been held in early August. Practice rounds are available Monday through Wednesday, including a pro-am. In 2025, broadcast coverage featured Golf Channel for Thursday-Friday and early weekend rounds, with NBC handling primary Saturday-Sunday telecasts.[48]Notable Events
Memorable Tournaments
The 1970 St. Jude Classic unfolded in Memphis amid lingering civil rights tensions following the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., which had sparked riots and deepened racial divides in the city. Dave Hill captured the title with a four-stroke victory over Kermit Zarley and Gene Littler, posting a total of 267 at Colonial Country Club after a final-round 68. The tournament highlighted St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's commitment to integration, as the institution had become the first fully desegregated children's hospital in the South two years earlier, treating patients regardless of race.[49][50][51] In 1996, unusually calm conditions at TPC Southwind produced record-low scoring, exemplified by John Cook's blistering performance of 64-62-63-69 for a 26-under-par total of 258—the tournament record that still stands. Cook secured a seven-shot win over John Adams, falling just one stroke short of the PGA Tour's all-time 72-hole scoring mark set by Mike Souchak in 1955. His third-round 63 capped a 54-hole total of 189, surpassing the previous PGA Tour benchmark for three rounds. The event's charitable mission was amplified by proceeds supporting St. Jude's research efforts.[52][53][1] The 2008 Stanford St. Jude Championship delivered drama in its finish, with Justin Leonard prevailing in a sudden-death playoff over Greg Owen after both tied at 4-under 276. Leonard, who led after 36 holes, birdied the par-5 10th on the second playoff hole with a 19-foot putt, marking his second win at the event and 10th career PGA Tour title. Lee Westwood's participation added intrigue, though his performance was overshadowed by the playoff; Westwood had faced sponsor-related controversies in prior Memphis events due to competing logistics branding.[54][55][56] Weather has frequently influenced the St. Jude Classic, with rain delays common at TPC Southwind's tree-lined layout. The 2010 edition saw multiple interruptions but concluded on schedule; however, the tournament's history includes notable disruptions, such as the 2014 event where Ben Crane went wire-to-wire despite over 28 hours between shots from storms, closing with a 73 for a one-stroke win over Jerry Kelly. These challenges often heighten the drama, testing players' resilience while underscoring the event's ties to St. Jude's mission of providing care without financial burden.[57][58] In the FedExCup Playoffs era, the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship featured a tense sudden-death playoff, with Justin Rose defeating 2025 U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun on the third extra hole after both finished regulation at 11-under-par. Rose's birdie on the par-4 18th in the playoff secured his second PGA Tour win in five years and highlighted the event's elevated stakes as the opening playoff tournament.[59]Records and Achievements
The St. Jude Classic, now known as the FedEx St. Jude Championship, has produced several enduring statistical benchmarks over its history on the PGA Tour. Dave Hill holds the record for the most victories with four wins between 1969 and 1973, a feat that underscores his dominance during that era of the tournament.[60] The tournament's lowest 72-hole score is 258 (−26), achieved by John Cook in 1996 at TPC Southwind, which also marked the second-lowest aggregate score in PGA Tour history at the time and secured him a seven-stroke victory.[52] This performance highlighted the scoring potential on the course layout prior to the move to TPC Southwind. The single-round record at TPC Southwind is 61 (−9), first set by Jay Delsing during the final round of the 1993 St. Jude Classic on the then-par-71 layout; it has since been matched multiple times, including by Bob Estes in the opening round of 2001.[61] Cook's 1996 triumph also established the largest margin of victory in tournament history at seven strokes, surpassing previous benchmarks and emphasizing his wire-to-wire control.[52] TPC Southwind has been a hotspot for holes-in-one, more than many comparable venues. Notable among these is Brian Harman's unprecedented two holes-in-one in a single tournament during the 2015 FedEx St. Jude Classic, both on par-3 holes, contributing to birdie runs that defined his performance.[62]| Record | Achievement | Year/Player |
|---|---|---|
| Most Wins | 4 | Dave Hill (1969, 1970, 1971, 1973)[60] |
| Lowest 72-Hole Score | 258 (−26) | John Cook (1996)[52] |
| Lowest Single Round (TPC Southwind) | 61 (−9) | Jay Delsing (1993)[61] |
| Largest Winning Margin | 7 strokes | John Cook (1996)[52] |
| Most Holes-in-One in One Tournament | 2 | Brian Harman (2015)[62] |
Champions
Multiple-Time Winners
Dave Hill holds the record for the most victories in the St. Jude Classic with four titles, won in 1967, 1969, 1970, and 1973.[5] A consistent performer on the PGA Tour, Hill's success at the event highlighted his strong iron play and putting, particularly on the challenging Colonial Country Club layout during the tournament's early years. His 1973 win, coming at age 36, capped a dominant run and contributed to his 24 career PGA Tour victories, underscoring his affinity for Southern courses where he often excelled in the summer swing. Lee Trevino secured three St. Jude Classic titles in 1971, 1972, and 1980, establishing himself as one of the event's most dominant figures during its Danny Thomas era.[16] Known as "Supermex" for his low ball flight and mental toughness, Trevino's back-to-back wins in 1971 and 1972 demonstrated his mastery of the Colonial greens, where he combined precise tee shots with short-game wizardry to outpace fields including major champions. The 1980 victory, at age 40, came amid a career resurgence and raised significant funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aligning with Trevino's charitable involvement; he amassed 29 PGA Tour wins overall, including six majors. David Toms achieved back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004 at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, showcasing exceptional course management at TPC Southwind after the venue's shift from Colonial. In 2003, Toms fired a final-round 64 to finish at 20-under, three strokes ahead, marking his eighth PGA Tour win and highlighting his accuracy off the tee on the par-70 layout. Defending in 2004, he closed with a 73 despite a six-shot lead, securing victory by the same margin over Bob Estes and emphasizing his steady play under pressure; these successes contributed to Toms' 13 career PGA Tour titles and solidified his reputation as a precision player suited to the event's demanding fairways and greens. Other notable repeat winners include Nick Price, who captured the title in 1993 and 1998, leveraging his ball-striking prowess to navigate TPC Southwind effectively during the FedEx sponsorship era.[16] Price's 1998 playoff victory over Woody Austin came after a career resurgence, adding to his 18 PGA Tour wins and eight majors on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour. Similarly, Justin Leonard won twice in 2005 and 2008, with his 2008 triumph featuring a birdie-birdie finish to edge out Justin Rose, tying into his 12 PGA Tour victories and reflecting his putting excellence on Southwind's undulating surfaces. These repeat champions not only elevated the tournament's prestige but also boosted fundraising efforts for St. Jude, with their performances setting benchmarks for consistency in Memphis golf.[63]Complete List of Champions
The St. Jude Classic featured 61 editions from 1958 to 2018, producing 52 unique champions and an average winning score of 12 strokes under par across all tournaments.[64] Dave Hill claimed the most victories with four, while several others, including Lee Trevino and David Toms, secured three each.[64] Playoffs resolved ties in 15 instances, most often on the first extra hole.[64] The tournament was played at Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1958 to 1988 before moving to TPC Southwind, also in Memphis, starting in 1989.[64] Purses grew significantly over the years, from $11,000 total in 1958 (with Billy Maxwell earning $2,800 as winner) to $6.6 million total in 2018 (with Dustin Johnson earning $1,188,000).[64][65]| Year | Winner | Score to Par | Winner's Share | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Billy Maxwell | −13 | $2,800 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1959 | Don Whitt | −8 | $3,500 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (2nd hole) |
| 1960 | Tommy Bolt | −9 | $4,300 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (18 holes) |
| 1961 | Cary Middlecoff | −14 | $4,300 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1962 | Lionel Hebert | −13 | $6,400 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 1963 | Tony Lema | −10 | $9,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 1964 | Mike Souchak | −10 | $7,500 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1965 | Jack Nicklaus | −9 | $9,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 1966 | Bert Yancey | −15 | $20,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1967 | Dave Hill | −8 | $20,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1968 | Bob Lunn | −12 | $20,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1969 | Dave Hill | −15 | $30,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1970 | Dave Hill | −13 | $30,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1971 | Lee Trevino | −12 | $35,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1972 | Lee Trevino | −7 | $35,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1973 | Dave Hill | −5 | $35,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1974 | Gary Player | −15 | $35,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1975 | Gene Littler | −18 | $35,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1976 | Gibby Gilbert | −15 | $40,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1977 | Al Geiberger | −15 | $40,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Shot 59 in second round |
| 1978 | Andy Bean | −11 | $50,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 1979 | Gil Morgan | −10 | $54,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (2nd hole) |
| 1980 | Lee Trevino | −16 | $54,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1981 | Jerry Pate | −14 | $54,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1982 | Raymond Floyd | −17 | $72,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1983 | Larry Mize | −14 | $72,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1984 | Bob Eastwood | −8 | $90,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1985 | Hal Sutton | −9 | $90,000 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 1986 | Mike Hulbert | −8 | $109,064 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1987 | Curtis Strange | −13 | $130,328 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1988 | Jodie Mudd | −15 | $171,692 | Colonial CC, Tenn. | N/A |
| 1989 | John Mahaffey | −12 | $180,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 1990 | Tom Kite | −15 | $180,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 1991 | Fred Couples | −15 | $180,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 1992 | Jay Haas | −21 | $198,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 1993 | Nick Price | −18 | $198,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 1994 | Dicky Pride | −17 | $225,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 1995 | Jim Gallagher Jr. | −17 | $225,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 1996 | John Cook | −26 | $243,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 1997 | Greg Norman | −16 | $270,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 1998 | Nick Price | −16 | $324,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (2nd hole) |
| 1999 | Ted Tryba | −19 | $450,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2000 | Notah Begay III | −13 | $540,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2001 | Bob Estes | −17 | $630,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2002 | Len Mattiace | −18 | $684,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2003 | David Toms | −20 | $810,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2004 | David Toms | −16 | $846,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2005 | Justin Leonard | −14 | $882,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2006 | Jeff Maggert | −9 | $936,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2007 | Woody Austin | −13 | $1,080,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2008 | Justin Leonard | −4 | $1,080,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (2nd hole) |
| 2009 | Brian Gay | −18 | $1,008,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2010 | Lee Westwood | −10 | $1,008,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (4th hole) |
| 2011 | Harrison Frazar | −13 | $1,008,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (3rd hole) |
| 2012 | Dustin Johnson | −9 | $1,008,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2013 | Harris English | −12 | $1,026,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2014 | Ben Crane | −10 | $1,044,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2015 | Fabian Gomez | −13 | $1,080,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2016 | Daniel Berger | −13 | $1,116,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2017 | Daniel Berger | −10 | $1,152,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2018 | Dustin Johnson | −19 | $1,188,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Total purse: $6.6 million |
| 2019 | Brooks Koepka | −16 | $1,745,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational |
| 2020 | Justin Thomas | −13 | $1,820,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational |
| 2021 | Abraham Ancer | −16 | $1,820,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational; Playoff (2nd hole) |
| 2022 | Will Zalatoris | −15 | $2,700,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | FedEx St. Jude Championship; Playoff (3rd hole) |
| 2023 | Lucas Glover | −15 | $3,600,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (1st hole) |
| 2024 | Hideki Matsuyama | −17 | $3,600,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | N/A |
| 2025 | Justin Rose | −16 | $3,600,000 | TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN | Playoff (3rd hole) |