2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship: A Comprehensive Guide to Round 1
As sports enthusiasts gear up for a thrilling season of professional golf, the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship kicks off Thursday morning at the renowned TPC Southwind. Covering everything from tee times to streaming options, this guide is your one-stop destination for all you need to know about watching the tournament unfold.
The Significance of the FedEx St. Jude Championship
The FedEx St. Jude Championship marks the beginning of the highly anticipated PGA Tour playoffs, featuring a jaw-dropping purse of $20 million. With substantial financial rewards and the promise of more exciting tournaments ahead, players will be eager to secure their positions. Only the top performers will advance through this playoff season, making every shot count.
Keegan Bradley: A Player to Watch
One of the most compelling narratives heading into this tournament is that of Keegan Bradley. As the U.S. captain for this year’s Ryder Cup, he carries the double burden of leadership and performance pressure. Currently sitting in 10th place in the U.S. Ryder Cup team standings, a strong showing this week could solidify his bid to serve as a playing captain at Bethpage Black. Conversely, a lackluster performance could complicate team selections for the upcoming Ryder Cup, making his gameplay pivotal in more than just financial terms.
The Venue: TPC Southwind
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, TPC Southwind is known for its beautifully manicured greens and challenging layout. The course is a favorite among players and fans alike, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and competitive obstacles. Each hole presents a new challenge, ensuring that the tournament is anything but predictable. Golf aficionados can expect to be captivated from the opening tee to the final putt as competitors navigate this premier golf destination.
How to Watch the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship
For fans eager to follow the action, the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship can be watched on the Golf Channel. The coverage kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, ensuring that viewers won’t miss a minute of the excitement. Additionally, avid fans can take advantage of PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which offers early coverage and featured group streaming starting at 8 a.m. ET. Sign up for ESPN+ to enjoy unparalleled access to all the action.
Streaming Options for Golf Fans
Modern technology offers numerous ways for viewers to stay connected during the tournament. Besides the Golf Channel’s broadcast, those with a cable subscription can enjoy a live simulcast via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App. This flexibility enhances the viewing experience, allowing fans to follow their favorite players virtually anywhere. For die-hard golf fans, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ remains the go-to source for comprehensive coverage.
Round 1 Tee Times: Planning Your Viewership
If you’re planning to tune in for specific players, here are the Round 1 tee times (ET):
- 8:20 a.m. – Matti Schmid
- 8:30 a.m. – Min Woo Lee, J.T. Poston
- 8:40 a.m. – Jordan Spieth, Wyndham Clark
- 8:50 a.m. – Harry Hall, Akshay Bhatia
- 9:00 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Matt Fitzpatrick
- 10:05 a.m. – Brian Harman, Hideki Matsuyama
- 10:15 a.m. – Cameron Young, Shane Lowry
- 10:25 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Maverick McNealy
- 1:05 p.m. – Nick Taylor, Collin Morikawa
- 2:05 p.m. – Tony Finau, Chris Kirk
These tee times create an array of options for fans to watch their favorite players compete throughout the day.
The Key Players to Watch
In addition to Keegan Bradley, golf fans will want to keep a keen eye on established stars like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, who are both vying for crucial points in the playoff race. Young talents like Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Åberg also present exciting storylines as they strive to make their mark in the prestigious tournament. Each player brings a unique style to the course, which adds to the drama and excitement of the event.
Community and Fan Engagement
As the tournament unfolds, the local Memphis community rallies behind the event, showcasing its deep-rooted love for golf. Numerous fan events are scheduled around TPC Southwind, allowing audiences to engage with the sport on multiple levels. Spectators can not only watch the tournament but also participate in pre-game festivities, making golf an inclusive sport for all.
In Closing: Why You Should Tune In
The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship promises to deliver high-stakes drama, top-tier talent, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the combination of thrilling competitions, intriguing narratives, and community excitement makes this event unmissable. So mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for a captivating kickoff to the PGA Tour playoffs.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy every moment of the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship. Let the games begin!
