Blues Meets Birdies
In Memphis, world-class golf meets southern hospitality at the FedEx St. Jude Championship!
This guide will help you navigate the tournament like a pro, ensuring you make the most of your experience at TPC Southwind.
ENJOYING & Navigating the Tournament
The Venue: TPC Southwind
TPC Southwind, located in southeast Memphis (right around the corner from FedEx HQ), offers a challenging and picturesque course that tests the skills of even the most seasoned professionals.
Known for its beautiful layout and strategic holes, it’s the perfect setting for the high stakes of the FedExCup Playoffs.
Get a Lay of the Land
Navigating TPC Southwind will be a breeze with our guide to amenities and food options. During the tournament explore the various facilities and enjoy the best of Memphis cuisine with local vendors on-site.
Food Vendors
Indulge in the rich flavors of Memphis at the championship. From barbecue to gourmet snacks, local food vendors bring the best of the city’s culinary scene right to the course.
Listed Vendors for 2024 are:
- Commissary BBQ @ The Pit
- Pronto Pup & Maestro Dobel Tequila @ 18th and Mane
- Tito’s Vodka @ 18 Green Courtyard
- Michelob ULTRA Bar @ The Bluff on 14
- A|M Restaurant Group @ Birdies & Bubbles
The FedEx Cup Explained
Why do the top golf pros gather in Memphis for this tournament? The FedExCup Playoffs are golf’s version of the playoffs, with players competing fiercely for a spot in the next round.
The top 70 players make it to Memphis for the first round, 50 move on to the BMW Championship and only 30 make it to the TOUR Championship which is the final showdown.
Oh, and the winner of the FedEx Cup also gets $18,000,000.
All season long, PGA Tour players are trying to make it to Memphis.
Investing in Memphis
The PGA Tour and FedEx have contributed over $72 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 1970. With $6.3 million in 2023 alone.
History and Importance
The FedEx St. Jude Championship, the kickoff to the prestigious FedExCup Playoffs, is where the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings compete at the end of the regular season.
This event marks the beginning of the playoff series, with only 50 players advancing to the BMW Championship the following week.
The championship’s rich history dates back to 1958, where it began as “The Memphis Open” at Colonial Country Club in Cordova, with TPC Southwind becoming the permanent venue in 1989.
Let’s Hear it for Memphis
New Memphis spoke with Joe Tomek, Executive Director of the FedEx St. Jude Championship and JJ Greer from Memphis Tourism on the economic impact to Memphis.
The Impact on Memphis
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is more than a golf tournament; it’s a significant economic driver for Memphis.
The Memphis Sports Council and the tournament work year-round to bring sports tourists, creates jobs, and showcases the city’s hospitality. From behind-the-scenes construction to year-round sports careers, it highlights Memphis’s economy and community ethos.
ALL EYEZ on Mem
Last year, 67 million viewers tuned in to watch the FedEx St. Jude Championship broadcast live from Memphis, Tennessee.
In fact, the mastermind behind golf television production when the tournament is broadcast on CBS is Sellers Shy, a Memphis native. Born, raised, and currently residing in the 901 area, Sellers is at the heart of the action.
Last year’s tournament was on CBS. BUT, the 2024 tournament will be broadcast on NBC. So we’ll have to wait to see Sellers produce his hometown tourney.
Hush Y'all! But TAKE ALL THE PICS YOU WANT
While on the course
Just a few notes on golf etiquette:
Respect the Game: Keep the atmosphere quiet during swings and putts. Remember, golf is a game of concentration.
Follow the Rules: Stay behind the ropes, avoid standing in restricted areas, and follow the marshals’ instructions.
Be Mindful of Your Phone: Set your phone to silent mode and avoid taking calls on the course. Snap all the pics, but remember to keep it discreet—keep the focus on the game!
A Volunteer's Story: Megan Sanfratello
As a proud Memphian and a dedicated senior in college, Megan Sanfratello embodies the spirit of giving back to her community. This December, she will celebrate a significant milestone—graduating from college. But before she dons her cap and gown, Megan is gearing up for another exciting chapter: volunteering at the FedEx St. Jude Championship for the third consecutive year.
For Megan, the decision to volunteer wasn’t just about supporting a high-profile event; it was a deeply personal choice driven by her love for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and her desire to contribute to its lifesaving mission. “I have always wanted to volunteer for this tournament,” Megan shares, her enthusiasm palpable. “I love St. Jude very much and love raising money for them.”
At the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Megan plays a crucial role as part of the Player Shuttle team. Her task? Shuttling players from hole 9 to hole 10—a job that, while seemingly simple, has afforded her some unforgettable moments. “I really enjoy getting to talk to the players and meet their caddies,” she says with a smile. “One of my favorite memories is from a weather delay when we volunteers had to go into the caddie lounge. I was sitting down eating my lunch, and a guy walked up and asked if he could sit with me. We talked for a few minutes, and then he left. Right after, someone told me, ‘You know who that was, right? That’s Jordan Spieth!’ My mouth dropped—I did my homework before coming back the next day.”
Megan’s story isn’t just about brushing shoulders with golfing greats; it’s about the unique camaraderie and community spirit that the FedEx St. Jude Championship fosters. This annual event isn’t just a highlight for golf enthusiasts; it’s a vital fundraiser for St. Jude, drawing supporters from around the world to Memphis. For locals like Megan, it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, to play a role in the fight against childhood cancer, and to make meaningful connections along the way.
“The tournament is huge for the community,” Megan explains. “It brings people from all over the world together, and it brings a lot of people who raise money for St. Jude. I would tell anyone considering volunteering for this tournament to definitely do it! It is so much fun and for such a good cause. I look forward to this tournament every year!”
Megan’s passion for volunteering at the FedEx St. Jude Championship is a testament to the impact that one person can have when they choose to invest their time and energy in a cause they believe in. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, especially those in the Memphis community, to find their own ways to contribute and make a difference.
It Takes 1600 Volunteers…
The tournament provides numerous opportunities for careers in sports and volunteering. There are actually 1600 volunteers that play a crucial role in ensuring the event runs smoothly, showcasing Memphis’s welcoming nature.
Learn more about volunteering with the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
