The FedEx St. Jude Championship: A Historical Overview of Low Scores at TPC Southwind

The FedEx St. Jude Championship, a prominent event in the PGA Tour calendar, has been a staple for golf enthusiasts for decades. Nestled in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, this championship has been predominantly hosted at TPC Southwind, a golf course known for its challenging par 70 layout that ranges between 7,200 and 7,300 yards. Throughout its history, the championship has witnessed some remarkable performances, yielding incredibly low scores that captivate both players and spectators alike.

TPC Southwind: A Golfer’s Paradise

TPC Southwind stands out among TPC courses in the United States for its unique design and testing conditions. The firm fairways and well-maintained greens challenge even the most seasoned players, making it a favored venue for professional tournaments. Over the years, it has earned a reputation not only for its scenic beauty but also for the thrilling golf it fosters, laying the groundwork for some astounding scoring records.

Notable Course Records

The benchmark for excellence at TPC Southwind has been set by the grit and talent of its players. Four different competitors have reached a remarkable score of 61, a record that has become legendary within the tournament’s history. This score, which first emerged in 1993, has been matched several times, reinforcing the competitive spirit of the championship.

Legends of the 61 Score: A Closer Look

Jay Delsing (1993)

The first golfer to carve his name into the annals of TPC Southwind is Jay Delsing. During the final round of the 1993 St. Jude Classic, Delsing achieved an astonishing 61 while playing on a par 71 layout. He made a total of 10 birdies with no bogeys, showcasing his remarkable skill. This flawless performance elevated him to 11-under for the tournament, ultimately placing him seven shots behind the eventual champion, Nick Price, who finished at 18-under.

Bob Estes (2001)

Fast forward to 2001, Bob Estes felt the pressure and exhilaration of matching Delsing’s iconic score in the first round of the tournament. His 10-under 61 featured the same number of birdies as Delsing. Estes, noting the importance of enjoying the game, emphasized that “golf is hard, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as you make it.” Ensuring that his mental game was on point proved advantageous, as he went on to win the tournament by a slender margin, solidifying his place in FedEx St. Jude Championship history.

Tom Lewis (2020)

Nearly two decades later, in 2020, Tom Lewis showcased his talent on the world stage with a spectacular 61 during the third round of the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational. After struggling in the first two rounds, Lewis turned the momentum in his favor by making five consecutive birdies. His consistency brought him into contention, and ultimately, he finished with a commendable 10-under total, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement that the tournament often delivers.

Justin Rose (2023)

The latest addition to this exclusive club is Justin Rose, who hit the magical score of 61 in 2023. After a rocky start at the bottom of the leaderboard, his resilience shone through on Moving Day, as he executed a bogey-free round that brought him back into the mix. This performance left fans and analysts in awe, further adding to the allure of the championship and the storied TPC Southwind.

The Thrill of Competitive Golf

The FedEx St. Jude Championship encapsulates the thrill of competitive golf. With players constantly challenging for record scores, the atmosphere is electric. Each round offers a fresh set of stories, proving that anything can happen. Players battle it out not only against one another but against the course itself as well.

A Legacy Beyond the PGA Tour

While professional players have left their mark at TPC Southwind, the course has also been a venue where young talents have demonstrated potential. Braden Thornberry, a rising star, recreated magic with an impressive 61 at the age of 15 during a junior tournament. His journey from the junior ranks to earning his PGA Tour card in 2025 highlights the course’s nurturing environment for budding golfers.

Conclusion: A Journey Through History

As the FedEx St. Jude Championship continues to evolve, the remarkable performances at TPC Southwind serve as a reminder of the skill and determination that underpin the sport of golf. Future golfers will strive to replicate the feats of legends such as Delsing, Estes, Lewis, and Rose, ensuring that the tradition of excellence remains woven into the fabric of this prestigious tournament.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for TPC Southwind?

With each upcoming tournament, TPC Southwind stands ready to host another thrilling chapter in tour history. Fans and players alike eagerly anticipate not only the breathtaking moments on the golf course but also the stories that will unfold. The legacy of low scores and unforgettable performances continues to grow, making the FedEx St. Jude Championship an event that holds a cherished place in the heart of golf enthusiasts everywhere.