Justin Rose Clinches St. Jude Title in Playoff vs. JJ Spaun

Justin Rose claimed his 12th PGA Tour title at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, edging JJ Spaun in a tense playoff after a late surge of birdies in Memphis.

Rose’s Remarkable Late Charge Secures Victory

In one of the most gripping finishes in recent PGA Tour memory, Justin Rose produced a dazzling run of birdies to clinch the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. The 45-year-old Englishman defeated US Open champion JJ Spaun on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff, capturing his 12th PGA Tour title and cementing his place as the oldest European winner in the modern era.

Rose’s performance was a masterclass in composure and skill under pressure. After a bogey on the 12th left him trailing, he stormed back with six birdies in his final eight holes, including four consecutive from the 14th to the 17th. Though he narrowly missed a winning putt in regulation, his playoff heroics sealed the win and delighted fans at TPC Southwind.

How the Final Round Unfolded

The final round was packed with drama, featuring momentum swings, near-misses, and standout performances from multiple contenders.

·        Tommy Fleetwood began Sunday with a one-shot lead and looked poised to break his long PGA Tour drought.

·        Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, stayed in contention until the final holes.

·        JJ Spaun carded a five-under 65 to force the playoff.

Rose, starting one stroke back, initially struggled to gain ground. A bogey at the 12th left him chasing, but his hot putter sparked a late rally. His birdie streak on holes 14 through 17 propelled him into a tie with Spaun at 16 under.

In regulation, both Rose and Spaun had birdie chances at the last but missed by inches, sending the contest into extra holes.

Playoff Drama: Three Holes of High Stakes

The sudden-death playoff began on the 18th hole, repeated for three consecutive showdowns:

1.     First Playoff Hole – Both players made par after narrowly missing birdie putts.

2.     Second Playoff Hole – Spaun drained a long-range birdie, only for Rose to match with a clutch putt of his own.

3.     Third Playoff Hole – Rose sank a 14-foot birdie putt. Spaun’s 7-footer to extend play slid past the cup, handing Rose the victory.

“It was an amazing last 90 minutes,” Rose reflected. “I never stopped believing. I played unbelievable golf coming down the stretch.”

Fleetwood’s Frustrating Wait Continues

Fleetwood’s pursuit of a first PGA Tour win took another cruel turn. Holding a two-shot lead with three holes to play, he faltered with a bogey on the 17th, finishing tied for third with Scheffler at 15 under.

The Englishman now holds the record for most PGA Tour earnings without a win — over $31 million — and has 29 top-five finishes without victory, more than any other player in the last 40 years.

“I'm obviously disappointed,” Fleetwood admitted. “I was right in there with a chance, and it’s hard to take.”

Rose’s Place in Golf History

This triumph adds to Rose’s impressive career résumé:

·        12 PGA Tour wins, second-most among Europeans in the modern era behind Rory McIlroy.

·        Oldest European PGA Tour winner at 45.

·        First player in his 40s to win on Tour this season.

It also marks his first victory since the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February 2023, and only his second since 2019. His longevity at the elite level is a testament to fitness, preparation, and mental resilience.

“I can’t let age become too much of a story,” Rose said. “My body feels good, and there could be a good run of golf still ahead.”

What the Win Means for the FedExCup Playoffs

The FedEx St. Jude Championship was the first event in the 2025 FedExCup Playoffs.

·        The top 50 players in the standings now advance to next week’s BMW Championship in Maryland.

·        The top 30 after that will qualify for the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.

·        Both remaining playoff events offer 2,000 FedExCup points to the winner, quadruple a standard PGA Tour event.

With this victory, Rose strengthens his bid for the FedExCup title and secures entry into all 2026 signature events.

Key Moments in Rose’s Final Round

Rose’s victory was built on precision iron play and fearless putting in the closing stretch:

·        Bogey at 12 – Dropped to two shots off the lead.

·        Birdies on 14–17 – Four straight to surge into playoff position.

·        Playoff Birdies – Two clutch birdies in three holes to seal the win.

His ability to recover from setbacks and capitalize on opportunities proved decisive.

The Significance of Rose’s Win

This victory reaffirms Rose’s position among the game’s elite, even deep into his career. His calm demeanor, strategic course management, and reliable putting stroke make him a formidable competitor in any field.

Moreover, the win adds to his already stellar record, which includes a 2013 U.S. Open championship and multiple Ryder Cup appearances. For younger players, Rose’s success is a blueprint in longevity and adaptability.

Rose’s FedEx St. Jude Championship Win

·        Tournament: FedEx St. Jude Championship, Memphis

·        Winner: Justin Rose (England) – 12th PGA Tour title

·        Runner-Up: JJ Spaun (USA) – Lost in third playoff hole

·        Notable Finishers: Scottie Scheffler (T3), Tommy Fleetwood (T3)

·        Final Score: 16-under (Rose & Spaun in regulation)

·        Historic Notes: Oldest European PGA Tour winner in modern era

Conclusion

Justin Rose’s FedEx St. Jude Championship win was more than just another addition to his trophy cabinet — it was a testament to persistence, composure, and the enduring quality of his game. Overcoming illness, fierce competition, and late-round pressure, Rose proved he still has the skill and mindset to compete — and win — against the best.

As the FedExCup Playoffs roll on, Rose’s confidence and form make him a serious contender for the season-ending crown.