Late surge by Justin Rose secures victory over J.J. Spaun in playoff at Memphis tournament
Justin Rose Wins Dramatic FedEx St. Jude Championship in Three-Hole Playoff
Justin Rose claimed a thrilling victory at the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, defeating U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff. The English golfer's triumph came after an outstanding final round of 3-under 67, which saw him birdie six of his last eight holes, including four consecutive birdies on holes 13 to 16.
Rose's closest competitors were Spaun, who forced the playoff with an impressive 65, and a tie for third between Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood, both finishing one stroke behind at 15-under par.
The playoff was closely contested, with Spaun sinking remarkable long birdie putts on the 17th hole and the second extra hole. However, it was Rose who clinched the title with a clutch 10-foot birdie putt on the third playoff hole.
This victory marks Rose's 12th PGA TOUR title and his 24th worldwide win, which propels him back into the world top 10 after several years. The win also has significant Ryder Cup implications, as it secures Rose's spot on the next Ryder Cup team, adding veteran experience to the roster.
Meanwhile, Scheffler, who has not finished worse than eighth place in his last 12 tournaments dating to March, finished one shot out of the playoff. He played the final round without his regular caddie, Ted Scott, due to an emergency family situation back home in Louisiana.
Other notable performances include Bud Cauley's holing a bunker shot for birdie on the 17th hole, securing his spot for the second round of the FedEx Cup playoffs next week outside Baltimore. Taylor Pendrith, Nick Taylor, Corey Conners, and Mackenzie Hughes all finished in lower positions in the tournament.
The top 50 players are assured of being in all the $20 million signature events next year. Rickie Fowler shot 69 to tie for sixth and advance to the BMW Championship. Kurt Kitayama, Jhonattan Vegas, and J.T. Poston also moved into the top 50. Chris Kirk was inside the top 50 until he hit into the water on the 15th for bogey and failed to birdie the par-5 16th, dropping him to No. 51.
Jordan Spieth finished 54th, missing the top 50 cut-off for the FedEx Cup playoffs. Fleetwood, who had led by two shots with three holes to play, struggled on the final holes and finished one shot out of the playoff in third place.
In conclusion, Justin Rose's victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship is a testament to his resurgence in late-career form, securing his place in the world top 10 and adding valuable Ryder Cup experience to the European team.
Toronto news outlets report the exciting victory of Justin Rose at the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, a significant win for sports in both the PGA TOUR and golf, as Rose's triumph propels him back into the world top 10 and secures his spot on the next Ryder Cup team.