Who is playing in the 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship? Field, top players, and predictions

The Westchester Classic was the original name of the tournament at Westchester Country Club in Harrison, New York. However, in 2007, it moved to various courses in New York and New Jersey. In 2018, the PGA Tour announced that The Northern Trust, as it was called then, would alternate between the Boston and New York/New Jersey areas from 2019 onwards. The tournament was held at TPC Boston in 2020. In the 2021-22 season, the event moved to TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, with FedEx as the new title sponsor, and the tournament was renamed the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

The competition is limited to the top 70 players on the FedEx Cup points list at the end of the regular season. Before 2023, the top 125 players were eligible to participate.

Next week’s BMW Championship will feature the top 50 players from the 2023 FedEx Cup standings. These players will compete for weekly prizes and the ultimate $18 million prize awarded to the playoff winner.

2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship: Field

The 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship field will be led by the top-ranked golfer in the world, Scottie Scheffler. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy and No. 3 Jon Rahm are hot on his heels. Unsurprisingly, these three golfers are favored to win the first FedEx Cup Playoffs event. Rahm, who’s currently in top form, is the most likely contender to win.

Despite Scheffler’s consistency this season, he’s currently second in the FedEx Cup Standings, trailing behind Jon Rahm, who racked up four victories earlier in the season and finished as runner-up at the Royal Liverpool in his last performance.

Rory McIlroy, a three-time FedEx Cup champion, is in incredible form and ranked third on the points list. He’s had seven straight Top-10 finishes, including a win at the Scottish Open and a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele complete the Top 5 at +1,600 and +1,800, respectively, with Viktor Hovland being the only other golfer sitting inside 20/1 odds.

Max Homa, who is fourth in the FedEx Cup Standings after the Big 3, is currently ranked 15th on this week’s odds board due to some average performances in the second half of the season.

U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark is fifth on the points list but sits 17th on the odds board, as does Brian Harman, who is sixth and 20th, respectively. However, this trend breaks with Viktor Hovland, seventh in points and sixth on the board this week.

2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship: Predictions

In recent months, Rory McIlroy has shown remarkable consistency on the greens, establishing himself as a standout contender amongst the world’s best golfers. His performances have been a testament to his skill and dedication.

Jon Rahm, who experienced a triumphant run in the B-flight at the Open, is poised to break free from a period of underperformance since his Masters victory. Could this be the turning point for Rahm as he strives to regain his winning form?

Scottie Scheffler has a formidable range of skills but struggles with putting, preventing him from achieving victory. Despite this, Scheffler has the potential to conquer any tournament.

Rickie Fowler’s proficiency in driving and short game positions him as a valuable asset on a course laden with penalties. As he prepares for the upcoming championship, Fowler’s expertise could prove crucial in navigating the challenging terrain.

Viktor Hovland has transformed this year, showcasing an evolved style of play. A deep playoff run in the upcoming championship would undoubtedly serve as a defining moment for his season, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Cameron Young has shown significant promise, demonstrating that one doesn’t need to be a long hitter to triumph on this golf course. As he refines his game, Young is one to watch in the upcoming championship.

Xander Schauffele is known for his consistent performance and boasts valuable course experience that could give him an edge. With a solid track record, Schauffele remains a formidable choice every time he steps onto the course.

Tyrrell Hatton’s summer performances have been solid, if not spectacular, but his persistent presence in the mix positions him as a contender for victory.

Sepp Straka’s standout July, including a victory and a runner-up position in the Open, has catapulted him into the spotlight. Having narrowly missed out on victory in a playoff last year, Straka enters the championship with determination and momentum.

Patrick Cantlay remains an elite player, renowned for his playoff success in the BMW Championship. His skill and expertise make him a force reckoned with in any tournament.