By Abdulrahman Samer – Pressbee Sports
Memphis, Tenn. — August 10, 2025 — Justin Rose staged a remarkable comeback at TPC Southwind, erasing a three-shot deficit in the final round before defeating J.J. Spaun in a dramatic three-hole playoff to claim the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship. The victory, sealed with a clutch birdie putt under pressure, marks Rose’s first PGA Tour title since 2023 and the 26th of his career.
A Final Round to Remember
Starting the day three strokes behind overnight leader Tommy Fleetwood, Rose played with measured patience over the front nine, posting steady pars while the field battled blustery conditions. The turning point came on the 14th hole, where Rose drained a 20-foot birdie putt, sparking a late surge.
Over the next four holes, the Englishman went on a birdie blitz — at 15, 16, and 18 — closing with a round of 66 to finish tied with Spaun at 16-under-par (264).
Spaun, who had led briefly after a birdie at 17, missed a six-foot par putt on 18 that would have sealed the win outright, setting the stage for sudden death.
Inside the Playoff Drama
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1st Playoff Hole (18th): Both players made routine pars, showing early nerves but steady execution.
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2nd Playoff Hole (18th again): Spaun’s approach spun back off the green, forcing a delicate up-and-down, which he saved to match Rose’s par.
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3rd Playoff Hole (18th): Rose struck a crisp wedge to eight feet and rolled in the birdie putt, pumping his fist as the gallery erupted. Spaun’s putt to extend the playoff slid just past the cup.
Player Reactions
“This feels extra special,” Rose said afterward. “To win here, in a playoff, after being down three shots, shows the kind of resilience I’ve been working hard to find again. The FedEx Cup is all about peaking at the right time, and I feel I’m right where I need to be.”
Spaun was gracious in defeat. “I played solid golf all week, but in this game, sometimes one or two putts make the difference. Hats off to Justin — he was brilliant down the stretch.”
Fleetwood, who finished tied for third after a closing 72, admitted, “It’s disappointing, but I’ve got to move on quickly. The playoffs don’t wait for anyone.”
Impact on the FedEx Cup Playoffs
The win moves Rose into the top 10 of the FedEx Cup standings, positioning him well for next week’s BMW Championship in Chicago. A strong finish there could set him up for a run at the $18 million prize at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
Spaun also climbs the rankings, solidifying his place in the BMW field, while Fleetwood will need a deep run next week to keep his championship hopes alive.
Historical Context
Rose’s triumph is his first since the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and adds another chapter to a decorated career that includes the 2013 U.S. Open and an Olympic gold medal. His victory also continues a strong tradition of international winners at TPC Southwind, joining the likes of Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood in recent years.
Looking Ahead
The PGA Tour now shifts to the BMW Championship, where the playoff field will be cut to 30 players for the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake. Rose will arrive in Chicago full of momentum, while Spaun and Fleetwood aim to regroup for one final push.
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