Rose Triumphs in Thrilling FedEx St. Jude Playoff
It was a dramatic Sunday at TPC Southwind in Memphis as Justin Rose claimed the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, edging out U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun in a tense three-hole sudden-death playoff. The win, Rose’s 12th career PGA Tour victory and first since 2023, came after a spectacular late surge where four birdies were recorded in his final five regulation holes. The playoff itself was packed with pressure moments — birdies were traded, long putts dropped, and the third trip down the 18th saw Rose sink his decisive putt while Spaun’s attempt narrowly missed.
Spaun, fresh off his major championship win, had mounted a strong case of his own with a blistering 5-under 65, highlighted by birdies on two of his last three holes. His composure in the playoff, particularly with a long-range birdie on their second extra hole, kept fans on edge. But Rose’s precision iron play and steady putting stroke proved just enough to secure the trophy and the $3.6 million winner’s share.
Also Read:The day was equally memorable for Tommy Fleetwood, who entered Sunday with the lead and looked poised to finally collect his first PGA Tour win after 162 starts. For much of the afternoon, he was in control, trading birdies and pars while fending off challenges. However, a costly bogey on the 17th hole derailed his chances, and he finished tied for third with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at 15 under. That mark also extended his frustrating record to 43 career top-10 finishes without a win — the most by any player in the PGA Tour’s modern era.
Scheffler, playing with a fill-in caddie after Ted Scott left for family reasons, was his usual consistent self, posting four rounds in the 60s, including a Saturday 65. Still, despite his closing 67, he fell one shot short of joining the playoff. His performance nonetheless cemented his place atop the FedEx Cup standings heading into next week’s BMW Championship.
The final round was a rollercoaster of leaderboard swings. At various points, Rose, Spaun, Fleetwood, and Scheffler were all tied for the lead. Cameron Young, fresh off a win at the Wyndham Championship, surged with a 5-under front nine, while Rickie Fowler battled to keep his season alive, ultimately securing his spot inside the FedEx Cup top 50.
As the sun set over Memphis, it was Rose’s calm under fire that defined the day. From a slow start with a bogey at the first hole to a birdie blitz down the stretch, his round embodied resilience. And in the playoff, when the margin for error was razor-thin, he found the shot and the putt that mattered most. For the Englishman, it wasn’t just another trophy — it was a statement that his winning touch is still very much alive.
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