An amazing last 90 minutes,” Justin Rose said. “I played unbelievable golf down the stretch. When I bring my best, I know I’m good enough to play and to compete, and to now win against the best players in the world. Very gratifying day for me.
Justin Rose staged a stunning comeback to win the FedEx St. Jude Championship in a dramatic playoff on Sunday. The English golfer overcame a three-shot deficit in the final five holes, then edged past U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun with two playoff birdies.
This victory marks Rose’s 24th career title worldwide and propels the 45-year-old back into the world’s top 10. It also secures his spot in another Ryder Cup team, underlining his enduring class at the highest level.
Rose’s Red-Hot Finish
Rose closed with a 3-under 67 at TPC Southwind, delivering clutch golf when it mattered most. He birdied four consecutive holes, almost sinking a 13-foot putt on the 18th to win in regulation. Over his final eight holes, Rose carded six birdies, including a decisive 10-footer on the third playoff hole.
“It was an amazing last 90 minutes,” Rose said. “I brought my best when it mattered. Beating the world’s top players is incredibly satisfying.”
Spaun’s Fight to the Finish
J.J. Spaun proved a tough competitor. He drained a 20-foot birdie on the 17th to tie for the lead and closed with a 65. In the playoff, Spaun matched Rose with a 30-foot birdie on the second extra hole but couldn’t hold him off.
“I hung in there as best I could,” Spaun admitted. “He just got to the hole first. It wasn’t meant to be.” The runner-up finish still secures Spaun’s first Ryder Cup appearance.
Fleetwood’s Heartbreak Continues
Tommy Fleetwood looked poised to finally claim a PGA Tour win. His 35-foot birdie on the 12th sparked a run of three birdies in four holes, giving him a two-shot cushion with three to play.
But mistakes crept in. A misjudged pitch on 16 led to a scrambling par. A poor approach on 17 and a missed par putt dropped him back. Needing a birdie at 18, he found a bunker off the tee and ended with a 69—one shot shy of the playoff.
“There’s a lot of positives,” Fleetwood said. “I’ll try to turn the disappointment into motivation for next time.”
Scheffler Stays Consistent
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remained steady with a 67, narrowly missing several putts on the back nine. His tie for third means he hasn’t finished outside the top eight in his last 12 starts. Scheffler played without caddie Ted Scott, who faced a family emergency.
Playoff Bubble Drama
The FedEx Cup playoff race saw tense battles around the top-50 cutoff. Bud Cauley holed a bunker shot for birdie on the 17th to secure his place in next week’s BMW Championship. Rickie Fowler, who missed last year’s playoffs, tied for sixth with a 69 to move on.
Kurt Kitayama, Jhonattan Vegas, and J.T. Poston also advanced. The top 50 now guarantee spots in next season’s $20 million signature events.
Jordan Spieth finished tied 38th after a final-hole water hazard, slipping to 54th. Chris Kirk dropped out of the top 50 after late mistakes, ending at 51st.
A Champion’s Final Push
Rose’s rally began on the 14th, where a precise 6-iron set up a birdie. He followed with short birdies on 15 and 16, then drained a 15-footer on 17 to tie the lead. The playoff showcased his composure, sealing a memorable victory.
“This is one we’ll really celebrate,” Rose said, smiling after his latest triumph.
