MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – A day of pre-tournament events at TPC Southwind on Wednesday set the stage for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, with activities ranging from a patient-pro putting session to an evening concert that raised more than $200,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Patient honored with Purple Eagle award
15-year-old Luis Carlos, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 11, was named the 14th recipient of the Purple Eagle honor Wednesday. The recognition included the unveiling of his name on a FedEx feeder plane.
15-year-old Luis Carlos, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 11, was named the 14th recipient of the Purple Eagle honor Wednesday. The recognition included the unveiling of his name on a FedEx feeder plane.(WMC)
“Oh, it was amazing. Kind of shocked me at first, but it was pretty cool. Just seeing my name on a feeder — very cool,” Carlos said.
Weather a factor this week
PGA Tour Meteorologist Joe Halvorson said he will monitor heat, humidity and storm chances throughout the tournament.
“When we have the potential for inclement weather, I’m detailing that out, minute by minute, hour by hour to players and tour officials” Halvorson said, adding that his team is “getting us prepared in case we have to suspend play as we had to do here in the past.”
New Grounds-Plus ticket program debuts
A new Grounds-Plus ticket program makes its debut this year, entitling holders to free food and non-alcoholic beverages at five locations throughout the course.
A new Grounds-Plus ticket program makes its debut this year, entitling holders to free food and non-alcoholic beverages at five locations throughout the course.(WMC)
“Everyone can get an entree, a side and a drink, every single time they go through and they can have unlimited visits,” said Miranda Rossum, with the PGA Tour public relations.
The PGA Tour Fan Shop is also on-site, offering hats, t-shirts and more representing Memphis, FedEx and St. Jude.
“It’s hot,” said St. Jude volunteer Gigi Mims, “but the shop is a great place to cool off and find some really cool merchandise.”
Patients join pros on the course
Before Thursday’s opening round, golfers participated in a patient-pro putting session. St. Jude patient Robby impressively drained putt after putt. His favorite part?
“Out of the whole day?” he asked, “Probably following around Justin Rose.”
Players’ wives spent the morning at an Art Party, creating artwork alongside St. Jude patients. Digital creator and DIY crafter Serena Neel also helped decorate windows at the hospital.
“It means a lot and I’m so honored to be here to support them,” Neel said. “Just to brighten up their day and help where I can.”
Claudia De Antonio, wife of golfer Nico Echavarria, described the effort PGA Tour wives put in across the country. Memphis, she said, is special stop.
“We have a few of the girls who travel throughout the year and just come and donate their time basically to be here, spend some time with the kids,” she told Action News 5, “and it really puts things into perspective.”
St. Jude Jam raises more than $200,000
The day concluded with the St. Jude Jam at The Peabody hotel, where an auction raised more than $200,000. Musician Al Paris of Kool and the Gang is a huge St. Jude supporter.
“I live in Memphis, I ride by there every day and I know that the work that they do at St. Jude is amazing,” Paris said.
John Oates of Hall & Oates fame also participated in the event.
“It’s so beautiful to know that families can get treatment — life saving treatment free of charge,” Oates said.
Memphis stop set to end in 2028
The PGA Tour has announced it will phase out the Memphis stop in 2028. Richard Smith, son of FedEx founder Fred Smith, expressed disappointment at the decision.
“It raised a lot of money for St. Jude but it was also such a great thing for the awareness of their mission: treating pediatric cancer – for free by the way,” Smith said. “So I hate it for St. Jude and the children that are patients there. I hate it for the community.”
St. Jude patient Robby had a message for the golfers and the staff at St. Jude who make miracles happen every day for sick children like him.
“I just thank them that I can be here. I just hope they can keep doing that for other kids,” Robby said.
Gates open Thursday at 7 a.m., with the first tee time at 7:10 a.m. Ticket information is available here.
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