2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship Preview and Betting Insights

Golf stands out as a unique sport where fans seem more invested in the regular season than the playoffs. Many assumed the PGA TOUR 2026 season was over after the British Open. However, the FedExCup Playoffs are just beginning. The FedEx St. Jude Championship kicks off this week at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.

Only the top 69 golfers from the FedExCup standings will compete in Memphis. Daniel Berger’s withdrawal has reduced the field. There is no cut, and massive playoff points are at stake. Only the top 50 will advance to the next week’s BMW Championship.

Course Analysis: TPC Southwind

TPC Southwind is a 7,288-yard, par-70 course that favors precise iron play over raw power. Water hazards are prevalent, and the Bermuda greens can be challenging. Mistake-prone approaches can lead to bogeys. Therefore, enhancing ball-striking and course management is essential for success here.

Betting Strategy and Selections

For the St. Jude Championship, my betting approach involves wagering sufficiently on a golfer’s outright win to generate a 20-unit profit. Additionally, I place top-10 and top-20 bets to hedge my picks. Here are the golfers I am backing for the first round of the playoffs:

• Hideki Matsuyama: Odds at +3300 for an outright win with a top-10 finish at +240
• Viktor Hovland: Odds at +4356 for an outright win with a top-10 finish at +275
• Justin Thomas: Odds at +5146 for an outright win with a top-10 finish at +275
• Tom Kim: Odds at +5500 for an outright win with a top-20 finish at +146
• Rickie Fowler: Odds at +8481 for an outright win with a top-20 finish at +189

Golfer Insights

Hideki Matsuyama

‘Deki has a strong history at TPC Southwind, achieving five straight top-20 finishes. His recent outings include a third place at the 3M Open, fifth at the Rocket Classic, and seventh at the Wyndham Championship. Matsuyama’s skill set and past performances make him a valuable bet.

Viktor Hovland

Despite having less favorable odds compared to some, Hovland’s strengths lie in his iron play. He recently won the 2026 Travelers Championship and almost won the 2024 St. Jude. His consistent iron play gives him a high chance this year.

Justin Thomas

Thomas’s driving accuracy has improved, and he excels at similar courses. With eight top-20 finishes this season, he is a strong contender if he can avoid water hazards at TPC Southwind.

Tom Kim

Kim has shown remarkable performance recently, including a fifth-place finish at the Wyndham Championship. His precision with irons makes him a great fit for this course.

Rickie Fowler

Fowler has had a good season with ten top-20 finishes. His recent performance and improved ball-striking make him a candidate for another top-20 finish.

One-and-Done Pick: Viktor Hovland

For those involved in One-and-Done pools, Viktor Hovland is my recommended pick. His recent achievements and fit for TPC Southwind enhance his prospects for the championship.