Memphis, Tenn. – Hideki Matsuyama enters the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship with a commanding five-shot lead, potentially erasing any suspense over who will claim the title. But even as Matsuyama aims to add another trophy to his already successful 2024 campaign, the broader stakes of the FedExCup Playoffs ensure that Sunday’s action will be full of drama.
For many players, Sunday’s final round is not just about winning the championship—it’s about securing a spot in the next round of the FedExCup Playoffs, earning entry into key events, and even boosting their chances for the upcoming Presidents Cup. Here’s a closer look at the key storylines and players to watch as the tournament heads toward its conclusion at TPC Southwind.
1. Viktor Hovland: Defending His FedExCup Title
Last year’s FedExCup champion, Viktor Hovland, has faced a challenging season in 2024, with only one top-10 finish at the PGA Championship. However, he seems to be peaking at the perfect time. Hovland enters the final round in third place, thanks to a strong recovery after a shaky start to the tournament. He currently sits 20th in the FedExCup projections after beginning the Playoffs ranked 57th.
Hovland’s recent resurgence—going 13-under-par in his last 36 holes—could propel him further up the leaderboard. His strong off-the-tee and approach game has set him up for a possible return to the BMW Championship, where he’s eager to defend his title. Additionally, Hovland has personal motivation to qualify for the TOUR Championship at East Lake, which was restored by his friend and golf architect, Andrew Green.
2. Nick Dunlap: Rookie Sensation with Everything to Gain
Nick Dunlap is enjoying a meteoric rise in the golf world. The 2024 season saw him transition from college sophomore to two-time PGA TOUR winner. Entering the FedEx St. Jude Championship as the 67th-ranked player in the FedExCup, Dunlap’s impressive performance now has him projected to jump to 12th, ensuring his place in next week’s BMW Championship and potentially the TOUR Championship.
Playing alongside Matsuyama in the final group, Dunlap has a chance to add a third title to his already stellar year. Beyond tournament winnings, a strong finish could boost his case for a spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup team. Despite his occasional inconsistency, Dunlap’s rapid ascent has made him one of the most exciting players to watch.
3. Scottie Scheffler: Chasing History
Scottie Scheffler continues to build on a remarkable season that already includes six PGA TOUR victories and an Olympic gold medal. He enters the final round seven shots behind Matsuyama, but even if a victory seems unlikely, Scheffler has a lot to play for. A solid finish could help solidify his FedExCup lead heading into the TOUR Championship, where he hopes to capitalize on his third consecutive No. 1 seed.
Scheffler’s consistency throughout the season has been nothing short of remarkable, and another win during the Playoffs would put him in rare company. With TPC Southwind’s layout prone to rapid scoring changes, Scheffler remains optimistic about his chances. “I’m definitely not totally out of the tournament,” he said. His pursuit of a seventh win would be the most on TOUR since Tiger Woods achieved the feat in 2007.
4. Will Zalatoris: Returning to Form
Will Zalatoris’s victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in 2022 marked a career highlight, but injuries have plagued his 2024 season. After limited play due to a back injury, Zalatoris is showing signs of recovery this week in Memphis. He sits tied for sixth entering Sunday, a position that could see him leap from 49th to 34th in the FedExCup standings.
For Zalatoris, a solid performance Sunday could be the culmination of a long recovery process. With spots in next year’s Signature Events at stake, Zalatoris has extra motivation to perform well. After a difficult season, a strong finish could propel him back into the TOUR Championship conversation and provide a sense of closure to an otherwise frustrating year.
5. Sam Burns: Battling on Multiple Fronts
Sam Burns has more than just the FedExCup Playoffs on his mind. He’s balancing the pressure of qualifying for the TOUR Championship with his desire to secure a spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup team. Burns started the week ranked 29th in the FedExCup standings and 13th in the Presidents Cup standings. After a strong showing in Memphis, Burns is projected to rise to 17th in the FedExCup, virtually ensuring his place in the TOUR Championship.
Burns has had a solid but winless season, with six top-10 finishes. His consistency has kept him in the conversation for major events, but Burns knows a win could significantly enhance his year. “I’ve had some ups and downs,” he said. “But this is a good time to play well.”
More Than a Trophy on the Line
While Hideki Matsuyama remains in command of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the real drama on Sunday will extend beyond the leaderboard. Players will be jockeying for position in the FedExCup standings, striving for a place in the BMW Championship and TOUR Championship, and even trying to secure spots on their respective Presidents Cup teams.
The FedExCup Playoffs are about more than just winning titles; they offer a pathway to career-changing opportunities, from Signature Events to major championships. With so much at stake, Sunday promises to be filled with excitement, even if Matsuyama remains in control of the top spot. For players like Hovland, Dunlap, Scheffler, Zalatoris, and Burns, Sunday’s round could define their seasons—and their futures in professional golf.
