Rory McIlroy is set to make his comeback at the FedEx St. Jude Championship this week, with the tournament being broadcast live on Sky Sports. The world No.
2 is eyeing a strong finish to the PGA Tour season and hopes to capture a historic fourth FedExCup crown, extending his own record in the process. Entering the first of three playoff events, McIlroy sits 12th on the season‑long points list. Only the leading 50 players after this week will advance to the BMW Championship, and from there the top 30 will earn a place in the season‑ending Tour Championship. The stakes are high, and McIlroy’s position puts him comfortably inside the cutoff for the next round.
The Irishman missed last year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, but this season he is part of a 69‑player field at TPC Southwind in Memphis. He will share the start line with world No.
1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Justin Rose, among others. The event runs from August 13 to 16, followed by the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis (August 20‑23) and the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta (August 27‑30), all of which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Since defending his Masters title in April, McIlroy has competed in just six tournaments, three of which were outside the majors. His recent results 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. Despite the limited schedule, his performance has been solid, and his long‑time putting coach Brad Faxon explained on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast that McIlroy now has the luxury of selecting events that suit his game and his calendar. Faxon said, "After back‑to‑back Masters victories, Rory can afford to be selective, both financially and mentally.
He isn’t physically exhausted after a round, but the mental fatigue of constant media attention and fan interaction is real. Whether he’s entering the clubhouse or having dinner, someone is always approaching him." He added, "I have never seen anyone more patient in that situation than Rory.
Taking a break to the Greek islands with close friends is a smart way to step away from the pressures of the sport." A recent anecdote highlights McIlroy’s family life: when he told his daughter Poppy, "I need to go practise," she replied, "You already know how to play, Daddy." The comment underscores both his confidence and the supportive environment that surrounds him. The summer heat in the southern United States will be another factor.
Faxon warned, "In the brutal summer months you need to be in top physical condition to contend for the FedExCup over the next few weeks." The FedExCup points system rewards players for their finishes throughout the season, with extra points for signature events and majors. The top 70 in the standings have qualified for the FedEx St.
Jude Championship. After that tournament, the field narrows 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—the same amount awarded for victories at The Players Championship and any major—before points are reset for the final event. Starting in 2025 the Tour Championship will no longer use a staggered‑starting‑strokes format; instead all participants will begin at even par, making the final tournament a pure stroke‑play showdown.
The champion will earn $10 million (approximately £7.4 million) and a five‑year PGA Tour exemption. Qualifying for the FedEx St. Jude Championship also guarantees a PGA Tour card for the 2027 season and an invitation to The Players Championship.
Those who make the BMW Championship secure spots in next season’s signature events, while the 30 who reach the Tour Championship receive a two‑year exemption and an invitation to the Masters at Augusta National, along with potential entries into the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
One of the younger stories emerging from the playoffs is Jackson Koivun, a 21‑year‑old who captured the 3M Open in only his third professional start, holding his own against Scottie Scheffler. Koivun’s rapid ascent earned him a FedExCup playoff berth after just five events, tying Tiger Woods’ record for fastest qualification. Faxon praised the rising star, saying, "Jackson dominated at the collegiate level and is the hardest‑working kid I’ve ever seen. He has a superb putting stroke and a great attitude toward the short game." Faxon, who spends considerable time at the Titleist Performance Institute testing equipment, recalled meeting Koivun there.
"Every club‑fitter and ball‑fitter I spoke with said nobody is close to what this guy is doing," he said. "His iron play is also impressive, 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 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 game 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 pivotal moment in the PGA Tour calendar. With a selective schedule, a supportive coaching team, and the chance to add a fourth FedExCup title to his résumé, McIlroy is poised to make a significant impact.
The combination of his recent form, the strategic advantage of choosing his events, and the motivation to prove himself after a relatively light schedule makes the upcoming playoffs a compelling narrative for golf fans worldwide.