Rory McIlroy is set to make his comeback at the FedEx St. Jude Championship this week, with the event being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The world No. 2 is eyeing a strong finish to the PGA Tour calendar and hopes to add a fourth FedExCup crown to his résumé, extending his own record for the most titles.
Entering the first of three playoff tournaments, McIlroy sits 12th on the season‑long points list. Only the top 50 after this event will advance to the BMW Championship, and from there the leading 30 will qualify for the season‑ending Tour Championship. The stakes are high, and every stroke could determine whether he continues his pursuit of the ultimate season‑long prize. The 2024 FedEx St.
Jude Championship takes place at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, a venue that will also host world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Justin Rose. McIlroy missed the same tournament last year, but he is now part of a 69‑player field that includes many of the game’s biggest names. **Tournament Schedule** - August 13‑16: FedEx St.
Jude Championship – TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN - August 20‑23: BMW Championship – Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, MO - August 27‑30: Tour Championship – East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, GA Since defending his Masters title in April, McIlroy has competed in only six events, three of which were outside the major championships.
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. While the numbers are respectable, they do not fully reflect his potential, and his team believes he can still select the tournaments that best suit his schedule and goals. Brad Faxon, the seasoned putting coach who has worked closely with McIlroy, explained on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast that the Irishman now has the luxury of being selective. "After winning back‑to‑back Masters titles, Rory can afford to be choosy – both financially and mentally," Faxon said.
"He’s not physically exhausted after a round, but the mental strain of constant media attention, endless interviews, and fans approaching him everywhere he goes can be draining." Faxon praised McIlroy’s patience and highlighted a recent getaway to the Greek islands with close friends as a way for the golfer to recharge away from the pressures of competition. He recalled a sweet moment when McIlroy told his daughter, Poppy, "I need to go practice," to which she replied, "You already know how to play, Daddy." Those small interactions remind fans that despite his superstar status, McIlroy remains a family man who still enjoys the simple pleasures of the game. The summer heat in the southern United States will test the physical conditioning of every contender in the coming weeks. "You’ll need to be in top shape to survive the brutal temperatures and still contend for the FedExCup," Faxon warned.
**How the FedExCup Playoffs Work** Throughout the PGA Tour season, players accumulate points based on their finishes in regular events, with additional points awarded for the high‑profile signature tournaments and the four majors. The top 70 players in the points 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.
The first two playoff stops each award 750 points to the winner – the same amount given for a victory at The Players Championship or any major. After the BMW Championship, points are reset to ensure a dramatic finish at the Tour Championship, where all participants start on even par. The winner of the Tour Championship is crowned FedExCup champion, receiving a $10 million prize and a five‑year PGA Tour exemption.
Qualifying for the FedEx St. Jude Championship also guarantees a PGA Tour card for the following season, as well as an invitation to The Players Championship.
Those who make the BMW Championship secure spots in next year’s signature events, while the 30 who reach the Tour Championship earn a two‑year exemption and an invitation to the Masters at Augusta National. Additional exemptions for the U.S.
Open and The Open Championship are also on the line. A notable storyline emerging from the early season is the rapid rise of 21‑year‑old Jackson Koivun. After winning the 3M Open in only his third professional start – a victory that came after a tense battle with Scottie Scheffler – Koivun secured a FedExCup playoff berth in just five events, matching a record set by Tiger Woods. Faxon spoke highly of the young American, saying, "He dominated college golf, works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen, and has a natural feel for the greens." Faxon explained that he spends considerable time at the Titleist Performance Institute, where Koivun’s equipment and swing are meticulously analyzed.
"Every club‑fitting and ball‑fitting specialist I’ve spoken to says no one is close to what Jackson is doing," he noted. "He hits the irons exceptionally well, and his putting stroke is both smooth and confident.
I’m a long‑term believer in his talent." The FedExCup Playoffs officially 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 starting at 7 p.m., or stream the coverage without a contract through the PGA Tour’s online platform. For golfers looking to experience a round at one of the United Kingdom or Ireland’s 1,700 affiliated courses, the PGA Tour’s booking service offers competitive rates.
Simply enter a course name, city, or postcode to find availability. In summary, Rory McIlroy’s return to competitive golf comes at a pivotal moment in the FedExCup race. With a modest schedule, a supportive coaching staff, and a clear focus on mental well‑being, he is positioned to make a serious push for his fourth title. Whether he can translate his talent into a playoff victory remains to be seen, but the combination of his skill set, experience, and renewed perspective makes him one of the most compelling storylines heading into the final stretch of the 2026 PGA Tour season.