MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Memphis is guaranteed to stay on the PGA TOUR schedule through 2027, but questions remain about what comes next for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
FedEx St. Jude Championship(Action News 5)
The PGA TOUR announced Tuesday it will launch a new format in 2028, splitting the schedule into a roughly 15-tournament “Championship Series” and a 20-event “Challenger Series,” with the season running roughly from February through August.
According to the Associated Press, the TOUR’s current $20 million signature events—now capped at 72 players—would shift into the Championship Series and expand to an average field of about 120. Players wouldn’t be required to compete in every stop, and events would not feature sponsor exemptions or an alternate list, with a cut after 36 holes.
The Challenger Series would serve as a pathway for players to work their way up to the top level.
The new model was approved Monday by both the PGA Tour Policy Board and the Enterprises Board.
Notably absent from the announcement was any mention of FedEx Corp., the company that has provided the financial backbone of the TOUR’s postseason since it began in 2007. FedEx’s sponsor contract with the PGA TOUR expires in 2027.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship also carries major economic weight for the Mid-South. In 2025, Action News 5 highlighted the tournament’s global reach, generating 5.6 billion online impressions and 24.7 million hours watched on TV. Memphis Tourism President and CEO Kevin Kane has called that exposure “priceless” for attracting future visitors, businesses and talent.
Kane also previously told Action News 5 the event helps fill a seasonal tourism gap, generating about $100 million in economic impact during a time of year when tourism is typically slower. He said more than half of ticket sales come from outside the Memphis market—bringing visitors from across the country and around the world.
The tournament has deep roots in Memphis. It began in 1958 as the Memphis Open. Since 1970, it has been connected to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and FedEx became the title sponsor in 1986. TPC Southwind has hosted the event since 1989.
“Our hope is to create more value for FedEx and everybody else. We’re in an existing contract, and we’re going to honor that,” PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp said.
Action News 5 reached out to the PGA TOUR and FedEx to ask whether the two have discussed sponsorship beyond 2027 and when the full 2028 schedule will be released.
PGA TOUR officials said no decisions have been made regarding Memphis beyond 2027, adding the TOUR continues to evaluate its future schedule and competitive format.
In a statement to Action News 5, the TOUR emphasized its longstanding partnership with FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the City of Memphis and local community leaders.
“The TOUR values its longstanding partnership with FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the City of Memphis and our corporate and community partners. As with all partners, we communicate regularly with FedEx and are aligned on discussing opportunities within the new model,” PGA TOUR officials said.
The uncertainty comes as golf fans and business leaders await word on whether one of Memphis’ premier sporting events will continue calling the Bluff City home in the years ahead.
Action News 5 is still awaiting a response from FedEx.
The 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship is August 12 through 16.
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