The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, held at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, kicks off the FedEx Cup Playoffs this week, featuring 69 golfers in a no-cut format. This prestigious event marks a critical turning point in the season, where players vie for a spot among the top 50 to advance to next week’s BMW Championship in Baltimore, adding high stakes to each shot. With the focus on PGA DFS FedEx St Jude Picks, understanding the significance of course history and player form here can provide a winning edge in daily fantasy contests.

Following an exciting finish to the regular season at the Wyndham Championship, where Cameron Young secured his first PGA TOUR victory and Chris Kirk broke into the top 70, the chase intensifies at TPC Southwind. Scottie Scheffler headlines an elite field making their 2025 debut in this event after his recent Open Championship triumph. This tournament offers not only coveted FedEx Cup points but also invites to future Signature Events and THE PLAYERS Championship, heightening its importance.

Distinctive Features of TPC Southwind and Their Impact on Player Performance

TPC Southwind, designed by Ron Prichard with Donald Ross influences, has hosted PGA TOUR or WGC events since 1989. The course underwent significant upgrades recently, including new greens and tee boxes, maintaining its challenging nature with bermudagrass surfaces that reward skilled putting. Water hazards dominate the layout with 11 holes featuring water in play, resulting in more than 6,200 balls lost to water since 2003 — the highest on PGA TOUR venues in that timeframe.

This layout demands exceptional accuracy off the tee and precise approach shots. Strokes Gained: Approach remains the most critical statistic here, responsible for nearly 45% of total strokes gained by winners, compared to the average 35% in other tournaments. The challenging rough and water hazards amplify the need for strategic risk-reward decisions, emphasizing the value of elite ball strikers and accurate drivers.

Key Players to Watch Based on Course History and Recent Form

Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama returns with strong credentials on this course, including a Win in 2024 and a second-place finish in 2021. Despite some ups and downs this season, Matsuyama has regained solid form with three consecutive top-20 finishes before this event. His impressive strokes gained stats on approach and putting at TPC Southwind underline his suitability for this track as he aims to defend his title.

Daniel Berger stands out as a compelling fantasy pick thanks to his past wins at this venue in 2016 and 2017, as well as strong finishes including a second place in 2020 and a top-five in 2021. Although he missed the playoffs in recent years and has not competed here since 2021, his improved 2025 season and top-tier iron play suggest he could re-emerge as a major threat.

Justin Thomas, who won in 2020 and holds multiple top-15 finishes here, returns this year with renewed vigor after missing the 2023 playoffs. With a stellar 2025 record including a win at the RBC Heritage and multiple top-10 finishes, Thomas offers a blend of course familiarity and strong current form for DFS lineups.

Sam Burns, while yet to win at TPC Southwind, boasts consistent performances highlighted by a runner-up finish in 2021 and a recent top-five in 2024. A Louisiana native and LSU fan, Burns thrives on southern tracks, making him a fitting contender. His 2025 season has been steady with numerous top-25 finishes, positioning him well for a deep playoff run.

Significance of the 2025 Playoffs and the FedEx Cup Race

This year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship represents a critical cutoff event where only the top 50 of 69 players will advance, making every stroke crucial. Players like Jake Knapp, Jordan Spieth, Wyndham Clark, and Min Woo Lee currently hold the last safe spots in the top 50, while players like J.T. Poston, Kurt Kitayama, Bud Cauley, and Joe Highsmith are on the bubble seeking to break into the advancing group.

The stakes are especially high because securing a position within the top 50 guarantees entry into next week’s BMW Championship and extends eligibility for all eight Signature Events and THE PLAYERS Championship next season. Players eliminated this week remain fully exempt for THE PLAYERS but lose guaranteed spots in the Signature Events. Thus, this is a turning point with long-term consequences for both season standings and future opportunities.

Last year’s championship highlighted the intense pressure of the event, with Matsuyama opening a five-shot lead but facing struggles on the back nine, narrowly holding on for a two-shot victory over Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele. Scottie Scheffler’s fourth-place finish helped him maintain momentum in his quest for the FedEx Cup crown, a campaign he will look to continue in this year’s playoffs.

Strategies for Daily Fantasy Golf Success Using Course History

Players with strong ball striking and proven approach shot skills historically dominate at TPC Southwind, making course performance a vital consideration for PGA DFS FedEx St Jude Picks. Key metrics such as Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee should guide lineup selections, particularly given the prevalence of water hazards and tough rough that punish errant shots.

Players who excel on bermudagrass greens also warrant attention, as putting efficiency on this surface can be decisive. Since the course recently saw new greens installed, familiarity with bermudagrass remains an advantage for those who have consistently succeeded on these surfaces.

It is also essential to monitor the latest player news and matchup outlooks, alongside expert weekly analysis such as Spencer Aguiar’s PGA DFS Vegas Report and Joe Nicely’s Core Four articles. These resources provide up-to-date insight into player form and favorable matchups, improving the chances of assembling a winning fantasy golf lineup.

Noteworthy Quotes from the PGA DFS Community

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Recap of Recent Champions at the FedEx St. Jude Championship

Recent winners of the FedEx St. Jude Championship and its predecessors provide insight into the type of game rewarded at TPC Southwind. Hideki Matsuyama claimed the 2024 title with a score of -17, followed by Lucas Glover in 2023 and Will Zalatoris in 2022, both finishing at -15. Previous champions also include Abraham Ancer (2021, -16), Justin Thomas (2020, -21), and Brooks Koepka (2019, -16), all players known for their precise ball-striking and strong records in major events.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the FedEx St. Jude Championship 2025

The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship offers intense competition among the world’s best golfers eager to advance in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. With the course’s unique challenges and significant modifications, players with strong history at TPC Southwind and consistent form hold a distinct advantage. Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama and returning contenders like Daniel Berger, Justin Thomas, and Sam Burns will be pivotal figures to watch.

For fans of PGA DFS, leveraging course history and recent performance data is essential to crafting winning lineups. As the playoffs progress, each stroke and decision gains magnified importance, shaping the season’s final narrative and impacting player futures. With leading analysts providing ongoing insights and tools, the pathway to success at TPC Southwind is as thrilling as it is demanding.