Justin Rose produced a stunning late surge to claim the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Sunday, overcoming a three-shot deficit in the final five holes and then prevailing in a playoff against U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun.
The 45-year-old Englishman carded a final-round 3-under 67 at TPC Southwind to secure his 24th career victory worldwide, climbing back into the world’s top 10 and securing another Ryder Cup appearance.
Rose’s late charge began on the par-3 14th, where he struck a 6-iron to within 15 feet and holed the putt. He followed with three more consecutive birdies, nearly sealing the win in regulation with a 13-foot birdie attempt on the 18th that missed by inches. Over his final eight holes, Rose recorded six birdies, including a decisive 10-footer on the 18th during the third playoff hole.
“It was an amazing last 90 minutes,” Rose said. “I played unbelievable golf down the stretch. When I bring my best, I know I can compete with the best players in the world. This is a very gratifying day.”
Spaun, who closed with a 65, forced the playoff with a 20-foot birdie on the 17th. He also drained a 30-footer on the second extra hole to keep the contest alive before Rose edged ahead. “I hung in there the best I could,” Spaun said. “He just beat me to the hole first.”
Tommy Fleetwood, who has endured multiple near-misses on the PGA Tour, saw another chance slip away. The Englishman led by two shots with three holes remaining after a brilliant stretch of three birdies in four holes, but faltered with a par save on the 16th, a bogey on the 17th, and a drive into a bunker on the 18th. His 69 left him one shot shy of the playoff, tied with Scottie Scheffler.
Scheffler, who has not finished outside the top eight since March, had to settle for a 67 after several missed putts. He played without his regular caddie, Ted Scott, due to a family emergency.
Elsewhere, Bud Cauley holed a bunker shot on the 17th to clinch his spot in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings, securing entry into next week’s BMW Championship in Baltimore. Rickie Fowler also advanced after tying for sixth, along with Kurt Kitayama, Jhonattan Vegas, and J.T. Poston.
Jordan Spieth and Chris Kirk were among those who fell outside the top 50 after costly late mistakes.
For Rose, the win marked not only a return to the winner’s circle but also a reminder of his ability to deliver under pressure. “This is going to be a fun one for us to celebrate,” he said.
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