Rory McIlroy is set to make his comeback at this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, a tournament that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The world No. 2 is eyeing a strong finish to the PGA Tour season and hopes to add a historic fourth FedExCup crown to his résumé.
Entering the first of three playoff events, McIlroy sits 12th in the season‑long FedExCup points race. Only the leading 50 players after this week will advance to the BMW Championship, and from there the top 30 will qualify for the season‑ending Tour Championship.
The stakes are high, and McIlroy’s position gives him a solid platform to push forward. The 37‑year‑old, who captured back‑to‑back Masters titles, missed last year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship.
This year, however, he is part of a 69‑player field at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. He will be joined by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Justin Rose, among others.
**Tournament schedule on Sky Sports** - August 13‑16: FedEx St. Jude Championship – TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee - August 20‑23: BMW Championship – Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, Missouri - August 27‑30: Tour Championship – East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia Since defending his Masters triumph in April, McIlroy has competed in just six events, three of which were outside the major championships.
His recent finishes include a tie for 19th at the Truist Championship, a tie for 12th at The Memorial, and a shared seventh place at the Genesis Scottish Open. While his schedule has been selective, his results demonstrate that he remains a threat whenever he steps onto the course. Brad Faxon, the veteran PGA Tour player who serves as McIlroy’s putting coach, explained on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast that the Irish star now has the freedom to choose his tournaments.
"After winning two Masters titles in a row, Rory can afford to be selective both financially and mentally," Faxon said. "He isn’t physically exhausted after a round, but the mental strain of constant media attention and fan interaction can be draining. Even simple things like entering the clubhouse or having dinner can feel like a press conference." Faxon praised McIlroy’s patience and his method of recharging away from the game.
"He recently spent time on the Greek islands with close friends, which is a perfect way to step back from golf and reset," the mentor added. He also recounted a charming anecdote about McIlroy’s daughter, Poppy, who urged her dad to practice, replying, "You already know how to play, Daddy." The story underscores the blend of family life and professional focus that defines McIlroy’s approach. The summer heat in the southern United States will test the physical conditioning of all contenders. "You need to be in peak shape to survive the brutal summer conditions and still contend for the FedExCup," Faxon warned.
**How the FedExCup points system works** Throughout the season, players accumulate points based on their finishes in PGA Tour events, with extra points awarded for signature tournaments and majors. The top 70 in the standings qualify for the FedEx St. Jude Championship. After that event, the field is trimmed to the top 50 for the BMW Championship, and finally the top 30 advance to the Tour Championship.
Winners of the first two playoff stops receive 750 points each—equivalent to the points awarded for winning a major or The Players Championship. Prior to the Tour Championship, points are reset, and all remaining players start the final event on even footing, using a starting‑strokes model that was eliminated after the 2025 season.
The champion of the Tour Championship claims the FedExCup title, a $10 million prize (approximately £7.4 million) and a five‑year PGA Tour exemption. Additionally, every player who makes the FedEx St. Jude Championship secures a PGA Tour card for the following season and earns a spot in The Players Championship.
Those who reach the BMW Championship gain entry to next season’s signature events, while the 30 who advance to the Tour Championship receive a two‑year exemption and invitations to the Masters, as well as potential entries into the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
A notable storyline emerging from the early playoff rounds involves 21‑year‑old Jackson Koivun, who captured the 3M Open in only his third professional start, holding his own against a charging Scottie Scheffler. Koivun’s rapid ascent earned him a FedExCup playoff berth after just five events, tying Tiger Woods’ record for fastest qualification. Brad Faxon also praised Koivun, suggesting he could be a valuable asset for Team USA at the upcoming Ryder Cup in Ireland. "He dominated college golf and is the hardest‑working player I’ve ever encountered," Faxon said.
"His putting stroke and attitude are exceptional. I’ve spent a lot of time with him at the Titleist Performance Institute, testing equipment and analyzing his swing. Everyone who has fitted his clubs says no one is close to his performance level.
He hits his irons beautifully, and I’m excited about his future. I’m a long‑term believer in Jackson Koivun." The FedExCup Playoffs kick off on Thursday with the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event from 7 p.m., or stream the coverage without a contract. For those looking to play the sport themselves, Sky Sports offers a booking service for over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. In summary, Rory McIlroy’s return to competitive golf comes at a crucial juncture in the 2026 season. With a selective schedule, a supportive coaching team, and the experience of handling intense media scrutiny, he is well‑positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Whether he can add a fourth FedExCup title to his collection remains to be seen, but his talent, mental resilience, and strategic approach suggest that he will be a formidable contender throughout the remainder of the season.