The 2024 FedEx Cup playoffs are about to kick off with the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first leg of the playoffs for the third consecutive season. The event, previously known as the St. Jude Classic and the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, will be held at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, a course that has been a regular stop on the PGA TOUR since 1989. The par 70 course measures 7,244 yards, features Bermuda grass greens and rough, and includes 94 bunkers and 10 water hazards, providing potential trouble on almost every hole.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship will host the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings and will be a no-cut event. Past winners at TPC Southwind include talented players like Lucas Glover, Will Zalatoris, Abraham Ancer, and Justin Thomas. Various key stats play a significant role in determining the success of players at TPC Southwind, including Strokes Gained: Approach, Strokes Gained: Ball Striking, Greens in Regulation Percentage, Course History, and Bogey Avoidance.
Strokes Gained: Approach has proven to be the most predictive statistic at TPC Southwind, with top players like Scottie Scheffler, Tony Finau, and Xander Schauffele excelling in this category. Golfers must navigate the relatively short course strategically, balancing distance off the tee with accurate approach shots. Greens in Regulation Percentage at TPC Southwind is below the TOUR average, highlighting the importance of controllability and accuracy on the course.
Course History also plays a crucial role in determining success at TPC Southwind, with players like Russell Henley, Sungjae Im, and Billy Horschel having performed well in recent editions of the tournament. Additionally, players who excel in Bogey Avoidance, particularly on the challenging holes at TPC Southwind, are likely to fare better in the competition. The overall model rankings for the FedEx St. Jude Championship provide insights into the top contenders, with players like Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Sungjae Im, and others ranking high on the list.
Potential picks for the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship include Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott, both of whom have strong track records in FedEx Cup events. McIlroy, a consistent performer in the playoffs and at TPC Southwind, has been in top form leading up to the event. Adam Scott, coming off impressive performances at recent tournaments, could be a dark horse contender at TPC Southwind. The combination of statistical analysis, course history, and current form suggests that these players could be ones to watch during the championship.
