Scheffler leads as final round of St. Jude Championship begins
Scottie Scheffler entered Sunday's final round with a two-shot lead, setting up a showdown at the $20 million FedEx Cup playoff event in Memphis.
Scottie Scheffler entered the final round of the 2026 FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis with a two-shot lead. Tommy Fleetwood pursued his first PGA Tour victory of the season while Sam Burns shot a 62 on Saturday. The tournament offered a $20 million purse, with the winner earning $3.6 million for St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Scottie Scheffler began the final round of the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship with a two-shot lead. The tournament, first played as the Westchester Classic in 1967 and designated St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its charity in 1970, is the opening event of the FedEx Cup playoffs. It carries a $20 million purse, with the winner taking $3.6 million. This final round determines playoff positioning and offers a prize that could reshape the season’s standings.
Scheffler begins final round with two-shot lead
Scottie Scheffler began the final round of the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship in the lead, holding a two‑shot advantage over the field. The tournament, part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, offered a $20 million purse with the winner receiving $3.6 million, according to low‑confidence reports. Sam Burns shot a 62 on Saturday, finishing two strokes behind Scheffler entering Sunday. Tommy Fleetwood, the world No. 2, sought his first PGA Tour victory of the season during the final round. The event, founded as the Westchester Classic in 1967 and linked to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 1970, continued its role as the first FedEx Cup playoff tournament played at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.
Charity ties tournament to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
The FedEx St. Jude Championship has been played as the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs since 2007. The tournament was founded in 1967 as the Westchester Classic and became associated with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its designated charity in 1970. The 2026 edition took place at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, continuing a tradition of supporting the hospital through player participation and fundraising efforts. The partnership underscores the event's dual focus on competitive golf and advancing the hospital's mission to treat pediatric diseases and injuries. St. Jude has remained central to the tournament's identity for over five decades, blending athletic competition with meaningful community impact. The 2026 edition reinforced this commitment as players teed off with the hospital's work in mind.
Fleetwood seeks first victory of season
Tommy Fleetwood entered the final round of the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship seeking his first PGA Tour victory of the season. He began Sunday two shots behind Scheffler, the leader, and was among the contenders in a field that included players such as Rory McIlroy, who later said he felt he lost his golf swing during the event, and Keith Mitchell, who had an unfortunate 18th‑hole performance while fighting for a top‑50 spot to advance in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Purse and prize structure remain consistent
The 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship has a $20 million purse, with the winner's share reported to be $3.6 million. This prize structure matches the 2025 tournament, where Justin Rose earned $3.6 million for winning. The event has been held at TPC Southwind in Memphis since it became the first FedEx Cup Playoff event in 2007. Coverage of the purse and prize structure remains consistent across editions. The funding aligns with long-term agreements supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Location and financial terms reflect the tournament's established role in the playoff series.
Next steps for FedEx Cup contenders
Scottie Scheffler entered the final round of the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship with a two‑shot lead. The tournament’s final round served as the first FedEx Cup playoff event, awarding points that will shape contenders’ chances for the season finale. Scheffler’s lead positioned him to add significant FedEx Cup points, while other top players sought to improve their standings. The event’s $20 million purse and $3.6 million winner’s share underscore the financial stakes. Following this competition, the playoff field will move to the next venue, continuing the series of high‑stakes tournaments that determine the season champion.
Frequently asked questions
Who started the final round of the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship in the lead?
Scottie Scheffler began the final round in the lead. He held a two-shot advantage entering Sunday at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, where the tournament offered a $20 million purse.
What did Sam Burns shoot on Saturday in the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship?
Sam Burns shot a 62 on Saturday. That round placed him two strokes behind world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler entering the final round, where he finished tied for second.
When did the tournament become the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs?
The tournament became the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs in 2007. Since then, it has opened the playoff series each year, including the 2026 edition at TPC Southwind.
Which charity has benefited from the tournament since 1970?
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been the tournament's designated charity since 1970. The event has raised millions for the Memphis-based pediatric treatment and research center.
What was the prize money for winning the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship?
The winner earned $3.6 million from the $20 million purse. The figure was reported as the winner's share, though the exact amount may vary slightly depending on tournament distribution rules.
