FedEx St. Jude Championship: Key Players and Betting Strategies

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The PGA TOUR 2026 season continues with the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. This marks the beginning of the FedExCup Playoffs. While many assumed the season concluded after the British Open, the playoffs are indeed in full swing.

This week, 69 top golfers in the FedExCup standings, excluding Daniel Berger who has withdrawn, will compete at TPC Southwind. No cut applies, and massive playoff points are available, fueling fierce competition. Only the top 50 will advance to the BMW Championship next week.

Course Analysis: TPC Southwind

TPC Southwind is a par-70 course, spanning 7,288 yards. Precision with iron play is crucial here. Water hazards are prevalent, making missed approaches a quick path to bogey. Bermuda greens add complexity, rewarding players adept at course management and ball-striking.

My betting tactic involves placing enough on an outright winner to secure a 20-unit profit. These bets are supported with top-10 and top-20 wagers. Here’s a rundown of the players I’m backing as the playoffs begin.

Top Bets for the FedEx St. Jude Championship

The following odds were current at the time of betting. Note that these are subject to change:

Hideki Matsuyama: +3300 (0.61 units) at DraftKings and top-10 with ties +240 (0.5 units) at Kalshi
Viktor Hovland: +4356 (0.46 units) at Kalshi and top-10 with ties +275 (0.5 units) at BetMGM
Justin Thomas: +5146 (0.39 units) at Polymarket and top-10 with ties +275 (0.5 units) at BetMGM
Tom Kim: +5500 (0.36 units) at DraftKings and top-20 with ties +146 (0.75 units) at Kalshi
Rickie Fowler: +8481 (0.24 units) at Polymarket and top-20 with ties +189 (0.75 units) at Kalshi

Hideki Matsuyama

Matsuyama’s impressive track record at TPC Southwind includes five consecutive top-20 finishes, highlighted by his victory in the 2024 St. Jude Championship. Known for his consistent driving accuracy, Matsuyama remains a formidable contender with a world-class short game and keen iron precision.

Viktor Hovland

Hovland’s odds seem undervalued relative to Patrick Cantlay and Si Woo Kim, considering his standout win at the 2026 Travelers Championship. His solid iron play, notably gaining strokes in eight consecutive starts, positions him well at TPC Southwind. Despite challenges around-the-green, this aspect is less critical here.

Justin Thomas

Thomas’s familiarity with water hazard courses makes him a strong contender. With prior wins at similar locations and improving driving accuracy, Thomas shows potential for outperforming his odds. His adeptness at overcoming common course challenges adds to his competitive edge.

Tom Kim

Kim’s recent performance, including a top-five finish at the Wyndham Championship, supports reinvesting winnings in his current run. Renowned for precision, especially in ball-striking, Kim ranks high in accuracy metrics. His consistent gains with irons enhance his prospects at TPC Southwind.

Rickie Fowler

Fowler’s current form, marked by ten top-20 finishes this season, suggests positive momentum. His performance in last year’s tournament reflects his ball-striking abilities. Fowler stands a viable chance of cashing a top-20 ticket again this year.