MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The FedEx St. Jude Championship will not be a premier \u201cChampionship Series\u201d event on the PGA Tour calendar after 2027, the PGA Tour confirmed Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The decision follows the Tour\u2019s June announcement<\/a> of a new format starting in 2028, which splits the February-to-August schedule into a 15-city premier \u201cChampionship Series\u201d and a 20-event, lower-tiered \u201cChallenger Series.\u201d Notably, the June announcement made no mention of FedEx Corp., whose title sponsorship contract expires in 2027. FedEx has served as the financial backbone of the Tour\u2019s postseason since 2007.<\/p>\n The PGA Tour confirmed to Action News 5 on Wednesday that Memphis is excluded from the elite Championship Series lineup. However, sources indicate that ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour, FedEx, and other sponsors may keep Memphis on the schedule as part of the lower-tiered Challenger Series.<\/p>\n In a statement to Action News 5, the PGA Tour highlighted its ongoing discussions with FedEx and expressed optimism about keeping Memphis on the schedule:<\/p>\n FedEx has been a wonderful partner since 1986, with our relationship evolving and innovating over the years.\u00a0As we prepare\u00a0for\u00a0the FedEx St. Jude Championship next weekand again in 2027,\u00a0we\u00a0remain\u00a0in close\u00a0conversation about\u00a0the\u00a0future of our\u00a0partnership.\u202fWe are grateful\u00a0to FedEx\u00a0for\u00a0all\u00a0it\u00a0contributes\u00a0to the sport,\u00a0and the positive impact\u00a0they\u00a0make in\u00a0the community, including in Memphis with\u00a0St. Jude. As we\u202fimplement\u202fa\u00a0new\u00a0competitive\u00a0model\u00a0and\u00a0map\u00a0out our\u00a0schedule for\u00a02028 and beyond,\u202fwe believe Memphis is well-positioned to remain part of the\u00a0PGA TOUR.\u202fTPC Southwind is\u202fa\u00a0premier\u00a0venue in our TPC Network and\u202fremains\u202fan important asset to the TOUR.\u00a0We look forward to sharing more as plans take shape.\u00a0<\/p>\n FedEx released a statement confirming their disappointment but reiterating their commitment to Memphis and St. Jude:<\/p>\n As the PGA TOUR continues to evolve its competition structure and schedule, we understand their vision for the future and appreciate the longstanding partnership over the last 40 years. While we are disappointed the FedEx St. Jude Championship will not be part of the new Championship Series, we are encouraged by their plans to find other opportunities to bring professional golf to Memphis. Regardless of the tournament\u2019s next chapter, our commitment to Memphis is unwavering. We will find new ways to partner with St. Jude to advance their mission, and we will continue making new investments in this great city we call home.<\/p>\n The tournament has been a Memphis staple since its debut in 1958 as the Memphis Open. It partnered with St. Jude Children\u2019s Research Hospital in 1970, secured FedEx as its title sponsor in 1986, and moved to TPC Southwind in 1989.<\/p>\n Beyond its rich history, the championship is a massive economic driver for the Mid-South. Memphis Tourism President and CEO Kevin Kane noted that the tournament fills a crucial seasonal tourism gap, generating approximately $100 million in economic impact during an otherwise slow time of the year.<\/p>\n