The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis delivered one of the most heart-pounding finishes in recent PGA Tour memory. What started as a potential breakthrough moment for Tommy Fleetwood turned into a testament to the unyielding determination of veteran Justin Rose, who clawed his way back to claim victory in a dramatic playoff. As the first leg of the FedExCup Playoffs, this event not only kicked off the postseason with fireworks but also highlighted the razor-thin margins that define professional golf.
Fleetwood’s Heartbreaking Near-Miss
Tommy Fleetwood entered the final round holding a slender one-stroke lead, poised to finally capture his maiden PGA Tour victory after years of close calls and strong performances across the pond. The Englishman, known for his smooth swing and consistent play, had been building momentum throughout the week, showcasing why he’s a perennial contender in majors and big events. With the leaderboard packed and the pressure mounting, Fleetwood seemed in control, maintaining his advantage through much of the back nine.
But golf, as we all know, is a cruel game. Fleetwood’s collapse began to unfold over the final holes, where small mistakes snowballed into a devastating outcome. A bogey on the par-4 17th was particularly costly, as it dropped him out of the lead and opened the door for challengers. He struggled in the closing stretch, ultimately finishing one stroke behind the leaders and tied with Scottie Scheffler. It was a gut-wrenching fade for Fleetwood, who made up a three-shot deficit look insurmountable earlier but couldn’t hold on when it mattered most. This marks yet another chapter in his quest for that elusive first PGA Tour win— a drought that continues despite his undeniable talent and multiple DP World Tour triumphs. Fans can’t help but root for him; his graciousness in defeat only endears him more to the golfing world.
Justin Rose: The Embodiment of Veteran Grit
If Fleetwood’s story was one of what could have been, Justin Rose’s was a masterclass in perseverance and clutch play. The 45-year-old Englishman, a former U.S. Open champion and Olympic gold medalist, started the day trailing but refused to fade into the background. Rose’s comeback was nothing short of spectacular, erasing a three-shot deficit over the last five holes with a flurry of birdies that left spectators and fellow players in awe.
His charge ignited on the 14th hole, where he nailed a “perfect” 6-iron to 15 feet and drained the birdie putt—one of only two birdies on what was Sunday’s second-toughest hole. From there, it was a birdie barrage: a wedge to 9 feet on 15, an up-and-down from the greenside bunker on the par-5 16th, and a 23-foot bomb on 17 that tied him for the lead. Rose piled on six birdies in his final eight holes, turning a solid round into a legendary one. He missed a 13-foot putt on the 18th that could have won it in regulation, but that only set the stage for more heroics.
Entering a playoff against J.J. Spaun—the reigning U.S. Open champion—Rose showed why experience matters in high-stakes moments. The playoff went to three holes, all on the par-4 18th. After a tense first hole where both parred despite Rose nearly finding water off the tee, the drama escalated. Spaun holed a 30-foot birdie on the second playoff hole, but Rose coolly answered with a 7-footer of his own to extend it. On the third, Rose stuck his approach to 12 feet and made the putt, while Spaun missed from 7 feet, handing Rose the victory.
This win, Rose’s 12th on the PGA Tour, underscores his gritty resilience. At a time when younger stars dominate headlines, Rose’s relentless dedication—honed through decades of highs and lows—proves that veterans like him can still steal the show. His ability to stay composed under pressure, make key shots when the tournament was on the line, and outlast a formidable opponent in extra holes is the stuff of golf lore.
A Memorable Start to the Playoffs
The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship wasn’t just about the scores; it was a narrative of dreams deferred and triumphs earned. Fleetwood’s failed bid adds to his compelling story, one that will surely end in glory someday. Meanwhile, Justin Rose’s victory reminds us that in golf, grit often trumps youth. As the FedExCup Playoffs march on to the BMW Championship, this exciting finish sets a high bar for the drama ahead. Who knows what twists await in the quest for the Cup? One thing’s for sure: golf fans are the real winners here.
