Sepp Straka plays a shot from a bunker at the 18th hole during the third-round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

Hello, DFS Army! Josh Thomas aka DFSUpNorth, coming at you with a deep dive into the FedEx St. Jude at TPC Southwind, a longtime staple event of the PGA Tour calendar and as of late, the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs. It’s been an action-packed season, and we are on the verge of another thrilling week of golf as the pros head to Memphis, Tennessee. As always, the stakes are high, and understanding the intricacies of this venue will be critical to making optimal DFS lineup decisions.

The top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings will tee it up in this no cut event, meaning that EVERYONE will get a 6/6 this week! At the end of this tournament, the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings will move on to the BMW next weekend.

Established in 1988, TPC Southwind is renowned for its challenging layout, water hazards, and small Bermuda greens. As we head into the 2023 edition of the FedEx St. Jude, we must appreciate how this course has evolved over the years, including the completion of the brand new Zoysia grass fairways and how it has tested the mettle of the best golfers in the world. Let’s dive into the rich history, the architectural design, and key statistics that have defined past champions and look for patterns that can guide our DFS strategy.

The Course:

Designed by Ron Prichard in collaboration with tour pros Hubert Green and Fuzzy Zoeller, TPC Southwind boasts a par-70 layout spread across 7,244 yards. It’s often regarded as one of the more challenging stops on the Tour, thanks to its intricate design, incorporating natural lakes, streams, and ponds, which come into play on over half the holes.

Over the years, golfers have had to deal with the narrow zoysia fairways, which can be especially punishing if one’s tee shots aren’t on point. The numerous doglegs further emphasize the importance of precision and shot-shaping.

Ron Prichard’s design philosophy has always been about blending a course seamlessly with its natural environment. At TPC Southwind, he allowed the natural lakes and streams to dictate the flow of many holes. While Prichard isn’t as famous as some golden age architects, his work, especially in restoring classic courses, has been well-regarded. His designs demand strategy off the tee and reward players who think their way around the golf course.

Key Features

Water Hazards: TPC Southwind has water in play on 11 of its 18 holes, making it an ever-present threat. The water doesn’t just penalize errant shots; it demands tactical course management.

Small Greens: The Bermuda grass greens at TPC Southwind are small and can be challenging to hit. This places a premium on both approach play and a strong short game. Over the years, golfers with a solid strokes-gained approach and around-the-green stats have fared particularly well here.

Historical Data Points

Over the last decade, some patterns emerge in terms of the profile of players who’ve had success here:

• Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green: Given the challenging layout, players who perform well in the strokes gained: tee-to-green category tend to have the edge. This combines off-the-tee, approach, and around-the-green statistics.
• Par 4 Scoring: With 12 par 4s on the course, proficiency on these holes is essential. The par 4s range in length but require precision and a solid approach game.
• Bogey Avoidance: Given the inherent challenges of the course, players who can minimize mistakes and avoid bogeys have historically positioned themselves well going into the weekend.

Key Holes to Watch

The 11th Hole: A par 3, 165-yard challenge. Water lurks on the right, and with a prevailing crosswind, club selection becomes critical. Historically, this hole has witnessed dramatic shifts in the leaderboard, especially on Sunday.

The 18th Hole: A 453-yard par 4, it’s a fantastic finishing hole. Players need an accurate tee shot to find the fairway, sandwiched between water on the left and trees on the right. A large bunker guards the front of the green, making the approach shot especially challenging, especially under pressure.

Strategy and Skillset

With so many water hazards, avoiding big numbers is essential. Players will need to balance aggression with discretion. Those who can strategically place their tee shots, leaving themselves the right angles for their approach, will have an edge.

Distance is always an advantage on the PGA TOUR, but TPC Southwind emphasizes accuracy over sheer power. Players who’ve excelled in Strokes Gained: Approach and Proximity to the Hole stats in previous events will likely have an edge here.