The blow has landed, but what about the aftermath? The PGA Tour is certainly stirring up controversy behind the scenes, as the decision to remove the FedEx St. Jude Championship from the top-tier postseason starting in 2028 has reportedly deeply disappointed FedEx. It's a real bombshell, especially since Memphis has been the playoff opener since 2022, and the Tour is thus alienating an important partner.
The PGA Tour's restructuring from 2028, which aims to introduce the "Championship Series," casts a long shadow. Memphis will then no longer be part of this elite group, which not only calls into question the tournament's status but also the future of the entire FedEx Cup name and format. It's clear this is about more than just one event – the foundation is being relaid here, and speculation is running wild about what the overhaul will look like.
Business as usual for 2026?
However, for the current 2026 season, everything remains as it is: This week, the Wyndham Championship will determine which 70 players advance to the field for Memphis. The FedEx St. Jude Championship will then continue to be the first playoff event, before the field is cut to 50 for the BMW Championship and finally to 30 for the Tour Championship. Memphis, however, likely still has a chance to remain part of the Tour, possibly in the proposed "Challenger Series."
End of FedEx Cup❌: The FedEx St. Jude stop getting frozen out of the PGA Tour’s 2028 Championship Series is the big tell. If FedEx was still going to be writing the checks for the season-long points race, Memphis would’ve been locked in. They won’t. So they’re not. Imagine tho
The Stars and the Playoff Drama
The current system takes its toll and shows how relentless the hunt for points can be. Jason Day recently missed the cut at the Wyndham Championship, thus missing the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the first time in 18 years. What a streak broken there! Even though the future for Memphis is still uncertain, Rory McIlroy remains committed and has confirmed his participation in the FedEx St. Jude Championship – a clear signal of solidarity.
