Justin Rose Secures Dramatic Play-off Victory as Fleetwood’s PGA Wait Continues
A Thrilling Finish at the St Jude Championship
In a heart-stopping conclusion to the St Jude Championship, Justin Rose emerged victorious after a gripping three-hole sudden-death play-off against American JJ Spaun. The Englishman’s triumph marks his first PGA Tour win in over two years, reigniting his career at the age of 45. Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood’s pursuit of a maiden PGA Tour victory remains elusive after a valiant effort fell just short.
The Play-off Drama Unfolds
The final round at TPC Southwind in Memphis delivered high-stakes drama as Rose and Spaun finished tied at 16 under par. Both players showcased nerves of steel in the play-off, each matching the other shot for shot through the first two holes. They traded pars on the first attempt at the 18th, followed by clutch birdies on their second trip down the iconic closing hole.
The decisive moment came on the third play-off hole when Rose holed another birdie putt, while Spaun couldn’t respond. The victory marked Rose’s 12th PGA Tour title and reinforced his status as a player still capable of competing at the highest level.
Fleetwood’s Near-Miss Extends PGA Drought
Tommy Fleetwood entered the final round with a one-stroke lead, raising hopes that his long-awaited first PGA Tour win was within reach. The Englishman, a seven-time winner on the European Tour, started shakily with an opening-hole bogey but regained his composure, grinding through 10 consecutive pars. A late surge of three birdies in four holes from the 12th appeared to set him on course for victory.
However, a crucial bogey on the 17th derailed his momentum, leaving him one shot shy of the play-off. Fleetwood’s final-round 70 saw him finish tied for third at 15 under alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler.
It’s tough, Fleetwood admitted after narrowly missing out. I played some great golf and had my chances, but Justin and JJ were just a little better when it mattered.
Remarkably, Fleetwood now holds the unenviable distinction of the highest PGA Tour earnings without a victory—surpassing $31.4 million. His consistency is undeniable, with six top-five finishes this season alone and 29 across his career, yet the elusive win remains just out of reach.
Rose’s Resurgence and a Statement Win
For Justin Rose, this victory was a testament to perseverance. Earlier this year, he suffered a Masters play-off defeat to Rory McIlroy, making his redemption at TPC Southwind even sweeter. Rose’s final round was a rollercoaster—a mix of brilliance and missed opportunities—until a sensational four-birdie streak from the 14th catapulted him into contention.
He nearly clinched the title in regulation, narrowly missing a birdie putt on the 18th that would have avoided the play-off. Still, his composure under pressure proved decisive when it mattered most.
That was an amazing finish, Rose reflected. I kept believing, stayed patient, and trusted my game when it counted. To win against this field, especially at this stage of my career, is incredibly gratifying.
At 45, Rose became the first player in his 40s to win on the PGA Tour this season, proving that age is no barrier to success.
Looking Ahead: The FedEx Cup Playoffs
With the St Jude Championship serving as the first leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, the stakes were already high. The top 50 players in the standings now advance to the BMW Championship, where Rose and Fleetwood will continue their campaigns.
For Rose, the win solidifies his position as a contender for the season-ending prize. For Fleetwood, it’s another step in his quest to break through on the PGA Tour—one he hopes will culminate in that long-awaited victory.
As the golf world turns its attention to the next playoff event, one thing is clear: the drama, resilience, and sheer unpredictability of this sport continue to captivate fans worldwide.
