MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — The FedExCup Playoffs begin in Memphis Thursday as some of the biggest names in golf tee off at TPC Southwind for the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship.
The tournament runs Thursday through Sunday, with 69 players in the field and plenty on the line.
There is no 36-hole cut at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, meaning the field will not be cut in half after Friday’s second round.
Only the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings after Sunday’s final round will advance to the BMW Championship, the next stop in the playoffs and another step toward the season-ending TOUR Championship and FedExCup title.
For fans planning to attend any day this week, there are some changes to know about this year’s tournament, along with precautions to take as temperatures climb toward the triple digits.
Tickets, food, and gate times:
Gates at TPC Southwind open at 7 a.m. each day Thursday through Sunday.
New this year, Grounds+ tickets include unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages at designated concession locations throughout the course. Alcohol and specialty concession items are not included.
Families can also save on admission. Up to two children ages 15 and younger can attend free with each ticketed adult, and those children also receive the Grounds+ food and beverage benefits.
The tournament is cashless, so spectators should plan to use a credit or debit card or mobile payment option.
Where to park:
Fans should not drive directly to TPC Southwind expecting to find general spectator parking.
General parking Thursday through Sunday is located at the FedEx World Headquarters on 3640 Hacks Cross Road.
Parking costs $20 plus applicable taxes and fees and must be purchased online in advance. Parking passes cannot be purchased upon arrival at the lot.
Rideshare is also an option, with a designated drop-off and pickup location near 3400 Players Club Parkway.
Know the bag policy:
Before leaving home, check the size of your bag.
Opaque bags can be no larger than 6 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches. Clear bags can be up to 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
Fans can also bring an empty reusable plastic or metal cup up to 32 ounces, which could be particularly useful given this week’s heat.
How to beat the heat:
Temperatures around 100 degrees could make the weather nearly as challenging for spectators as TPC Southwind is for the players.
Fans could walk several miles during a day at the tournament, with significant portions of the course exposed to direct sunlight. The best strategy starts before you arrive: hydrate early and continue drinking fluids throughout the day.
Grounds+ includes water and other non-alcoholic beverages at designated locations.
There are also several places around TPC Southwind where fans can get a break from the sun.
Shaded public bleachers are located at holes 1, 11, 14 and 16.
The Hub, located along the 18th fairway, is open to the public and provides an air-conditioned space to cool down.
Misting fans have also been used around the course during periods of extreme heat. Fans should look for available cooling areas once inside the tournament grounds.
Don’t forget the sunscreen:
Heat isn’t the only concern when spending hours outside.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before leaving home and reapply at least every two hours, especially if you’re sweating heavily.
Don’t forget easy-to-miss areas including your ears, the back of your neck and the tops of your feet.
A hat, sunglasses and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing can provide additional protection.
And don’t wait until you’re already feeling sick to take a break. Use the shade, cooling areas and air-conditioned spaces throughout the day.
Know the signs of heat illness:
Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea and weakness can be signs of heat exhaustion.
If those symptoms develop, stop what you’re doing, get out of the heat, and begin cooling down.
Confusion, loss of consciousness or an altered mental state can be signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
One of the best strategies: Come early
Perhaps the easiest way to avoid some of the worst heat is simply to arrive early.
Gates open at 7 a.m. each day, giving fans several hours to enjoy the tournament before temperatures reach their afternoon peak.
Thursday and Friday offer a chance to see the entire field in action, while the leaderboard begins taking shape Saturday. Sunday brings the final round and the crowning of the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship winner.
WREG will have live coverage from TPC Southwind throughout the tournament. Stay with WREG.com and the WREG app for the latest from the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
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