MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The FedEx St. Jude Championship begins this week in Memphis, with organizers aiming to surpass last year’s record-setting attendance, revenue, and viewership — even as changes to the PGA Tour’s tournament structure put the event’s long-term future in the city in question.
Robert Miller, in his fourth month as executive director of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, said last year’s tournament set benchmarks across multiple categories.
“You’re just talking about the number of people who walked through the gate. You’re talking about the amount of revenue we raised. The hospitality venues that are sold out, the new hospitality that we’ve opened up,” Miller said.
Robert Miller, the Executive Director of the FedEx St. Jude Championship(Action News 5)
Last year’s tournament also posted its most-watched final round in more than a decade and its highest average viewership. The event has generated more than $100 million in economic impact for Memphis.
When asked whether there is pressure to outperform the previous year, Miller said, “One hundred percent.”
PGA Tour tier changes threaten Memphis’s long-term status
The tournament, which began as the Memphis Open in 1958, is guaranteed to return in 2027 — marking the 70th PGA Tour event held in Memphis. However, 2027 also marks the end of the current FedEx sponsorship deal with the PGA Tour and the end of the tournament’s standing as a Championship Series event in Memphis.
Under the PGA Tour’s tier structure, the Championship Series consists of roughly two dozen tournaments offering more prize money. Beginning in 2028, Memphis would move to the Challenger Series — a lower tier of at least 20 tournaments with smaller purses and a reduced profile.
Miller said the 2028 situation is still being worked out.
“I know that’s a big topic of conversation right now. In the future, there’s a lot that’s going to come out. I am focused on ’26, to make sure I bring us a championship event… but like I said, we’re guaranteed for ’27, which is great, and then ’28 is what they’re working on right now,” Miller said.
What fans can expect at this year’s event
Organizers have expanded the fan and production footprint for 2026, including 93 structures, more than 125,000 square feet of flooring, nearly 17,000 feet of fencing, 17 scoreboards, and nearly a dozen indoor and outdoor viewing platforms.
A new Grounds+ program allows ticketholders to receive most concessions at no additional cost. Two children ages 15 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.
Miller said affordability was a priority in planning this year’s event.
“If you go somewhere like the Ryder Cup, you’re talking about $400 a ticket. This is the first round of the FedEx St. Jude playoffs, and it’s only $99 a ticket. That is something we’re very proud of… to be able to offer here in Memphis,” he said.
Scheffler headlining this year’s field
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is confirmed to compete this week.
“The number one golfer in the world told us that he’s going to be here. The staff was fired up when that happened. No matter what people say about Memphis or what their thoughts are on Memphis, when they come to Memphis and really get to experience the city, experience the restaurants, experience this event, they all leave here and come back wanting more,” Miller said.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has been the primary beneficiary of Memphis’s PGA Tour stop since 1970. FedEx has called the tour’s decision to remove the Championship Series from Memphis a disappointment, but said the company will find new ways to partner with St. Jude to advance their mission.
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