FedExCup Playoffs opener: McIlroy struggles as Spieth sets early pace

Rory McIlroy made a difficult start to the FedExCup Playoffs, shooting a four-over-par 74 in the opening round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. The Northern Irishman, playing for the first time since finishing tied for 40th at The Open at Royal Birkdale nearly a month ago, was level par before a collapse on the final three holes. His round included a double bogey on the 18th after finding the water with his tee shot on the closing par four.

The 74 left McIlroy nine shots adrift of the early leaders, with Americans Jordan Spieth and Michael Thorbjornsen setting the pace with rounds of 65. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who was paired with Spieth, sits one shot back on 66. Fleetwood noted that despite some inconsistent iron play, he managed the course well, highlighted by an eagle chip on the par-five third hole.

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler, who played in the marquee group alongside McIlroy, delivered a solid 68 to sit at two-under par. Scheffler credited his patience and quality iron play for his position. He is joined on two-under by Ludvig Aberg and Sepp Straka, while McIlroy currently sits 12th in the 70-player field.

The tournament serves as the first of three FedExCup Playoffs events, determining progression to the BMW Championship and the season-ending Tour Championship. Only the top 50 in the overall season standings will advance to the BMW Championship, with the top 30 qualifying for the finale. The events have no cut, allowing players time to climb the leaderboard over the weekend.

Winners of the first two playoff events earn 750 points, the same value as The Players Championship and majors. Points reset to zero ahead of the Tour Championship, where the starting-strokes model based on FedExCup placings was axed in 2025. The winner of the Tour Championship becomes the 2026 FedExCup champion, earning $10m (£7.4m) and a five-year PGA Tour exemption.