Justin Rose kicked off the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis with an impressive six-under 64 on Thursday. Entering the week ranked 25th in the FedExCup standings, Rose aimed to secure a position within the top 50 to advance to next week’s BMW Championship, keeping his hopes alive for a spot at the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake.
Speaking to the media after his first round, Rose expressed his determination to return to East Lake, a venue he has not competed at since 2019. The PGA Tour shared part of his remarks in an Instagram post.
“I think it’s bugged me a little bit that I haven’t been back to East Lake in a few years… We all know how important top 50 is. Top 30 is a little bit of a cherry on top of everything,” —Justin Rose
Rose’s Past Performances and Tournament Stakes
Rose last appeared at the Tour Championship in 2019, finishing tied for 26th with rounds of 68, 74, 71, and 72, ending three strokes over par and earning $430,000 that week. The FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first of three FedEx Cup Playoff events, offers a $20 million prize fund, with the winner set to earn $3.6 million. After the St. Jude event, the top 50 players will advance to the BMW Championship, while the top 30 will qualify for the Tour Championship at East Lake.
Currently, Rose ranks eighth on the Ryder Cup points list, enhancing his chances for automatic qualification or a possible captain’s pick for this year’s Ryder Cup. His FedEx Cup win in 2018 remains a highlight in his career as he competes to regain top standing this season.
Detailed Look at Rose’s Rounds at FedEx St. Jude
Rose’s first round was marked by consistency and precision as he posted a bogey-free 64, which included seven birdies. He maintained a flawless front nine, setting a solid foundation for the remainder of the tournament.
In the second round, Rose shot a 66, showing a mix of birdies and bogeys. He birdied three times and bogeyed once in the front nine, while on the back nine he recorded four birdies along with two bogeys. His steady play was enough to make the cut and continue competing in the championship.
The second-round hole-by-hole breakdown is as follows:
- Hole 1 (Par 4): 4
- Hole 2 (Par 4): 4
- Hole 3 (Par 5): 5
- Hole 4 (Par 3): 3
- Hole 5 (Par 4): 5
- Hole 6 (Par 4): 3
- Hole 7 (Par 4): 3
- Hole 8 (Par 3): 2
- Hole 9 (Par 4): 4
- Hole 10 (Par 4): 3
- Hole 11 (Par 3): 2
- Hole 12 (Par 4): 5
- Hole 13 (Par 4): 5
- Hole 14 (Par 3): 3
- Hole 15 (Par 4): 4
- Hole 16 (Par 5): 4
- Hole 17 (Par 4): 3
- Hole 18 (Par 4): 4
Total score in round two: 66
Implications for Rose’s Season and Tour Championship Ambitions
This strong start at the FedEx St. Jude Championship gives Justin Rose a solid chance to secure a position within the top 50 of the FedExCup standings, which is critical to advancing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. His drive to compete at East Lake again remains a clear goal, motivated both by his past experiences and the prestige of the Tour Championship.
Maintaining this form could help Rose edge closer to qualifying for the Tour Championship and bolster his Ryder Cup credentials ahead of the selection process. Rose’s blend of experience and competitiveness makes him a player to watch throughout the remainder of the playoffs.