Justin Rose’s Late Heroics Seal 1st Memphis Playoff Victory

Justin Rose’s 1st Memphis Playoff Victory will go down as one of the most dramatic finishes in recent PGA Tour history. The 45-year-old Englishman produced a breathtaking comeback, erasing a three-shot deficit over the last five holes to defeat U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun in a tense playoff at TPC Southwind on Sunday. It was a victory filled with clutch birdies, mental resilience, and an inspiring reminder of Rose’s enduring class on the golf course.

A Three-Shot Deficit Turns Into a Storybook Ending

Heading into the final stretch of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Justin Rose was trailing hard-luck contender Tommy Fleetwood by three strokes. The stakes were high — not only would the winner claim the title, but also valuable FedEx Cup points and a strong boost heading into the Ryder Cup.

Rose, however, showed why he is still a force to be reckoned with. Over the final five holes, he caught fire. He birdied the par-3 14th from 15 feet, sank short birdie putts on the next two holes, and then drilled a 15-footer on the 17th for his fourth straight birdie. The crowd at TPC Southwind roared with every putt, sensing that his 1st Memphis Playoff Victory was now within reach.

On the 18th, he narrowly missed a 13-foot birdie that would have sealed the win in regulation, settling for par and a spot in a playoff with Spaun.

The Playoff Battle: Rose vs. Spaun

The playoff was an emotional rollercoaster. Both players had opportunities, but it was Justin Rose’s composure that shone brightest. On the third playoff hole, Rose made a clutch 10-foot birdie putt to finally clinch his 1st Memphis Playoff Victory. His six birdies over the last eight holes — including those in the playoff — marked one of the finest closing stretches of his career.

Speaking after the win, Rose called it “an amazing last 90 minutes” and credited his ability to bring his best under pressure:

“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.”

Tommy Fleetwood’s Heartbreaking Close Call

While Rose celebrated, Fleetwood was once again left pondering what could have been. The Englishman has long been admired for his graciousness in defeat, and Sunday was another example. Fleetwood had the lead after a string of birdies between holes 12 and 15, but trouble struck on the par-5 16th when his pitch shot ran through the green. A bogey on the 17th followed, and a drive into the bunker on the 18th ended his hopes of joining the playoff.

Fleetwood closed with a 69 and missed the playoff by one shot. He admitted the loss was tough to take but remained optimistic:

“There’s a lot of positives to take… All these experiences and these close calls… hopefully next time go again.”

Spaun’s Grit and First Ryder Cup Spot

J.J. Spaun, meanwhile, showed remarkable grit. A 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th brought him level with Rose, and he matched him blow for blow in the playoff until the final hole. While the 1st Memphis Playoff Victory slipped from his grasp, Spaun’s runner-up finish secured his first Ryder Cup selection — a milestone he called “very special.”

Other Movers in the FedEx Cup Race

The 1st Memphis Playoff Victory wasn’t the only storyline at TPC Southwind. The event was also the final chance for players to break into the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings, securing entry into next week’s BMW Championship and all of next year’s $20 million signature events.

Bud Cauley secured his spot in style, holing a bunker shot for birdie on the 17th.
Rickie Fowler tied for sixth and advanced comfortably after missing last year’s postseason.
Kurt Kitayama, Jhonattan Vegas, and J.T. Poston also moved into the top 50.

For others, the week ended in heartbreak. Jordan Spieth finished 54th after a closing 68, while Chris Kirk fell to 51st after a costly bogey on the 15th.

Scheffler’s Consistency Continues

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler once again displayed remarkable consistency, tying for third with Fleetwood. Although he missed several birdie chances on the back nine, Scheffler has now gone 12 straight tournaments without finishing worse than eighth — a testament to his form heading into the playoffs.

A Victory Beyond the Scorecard

Rose’s 1st Memphis Playoff Victory was more than just another addition to his trophy cabinet. It marked his 24th career win worldwide and lifted him back into the top 10 in the world rankings. At 45, competing against the next generation of stars, Rose’s win proves that experience, patience, and self-belief remain powerful weapons.

It also secured his spot in yet another Ryder Cup, where his leadership and match-play expertise will be invaluable to Team Europe. For fans, his triumph was a reminder that golf can produce Hollywood-worthy comebacks when least expected.

Key Stats from Justin Rose’s 1st Memphis Playoff Victory

Final Round Score: 3-under 67
Birdies in Last 8 Holes: 6
Playoff Holes Won: 3rd hole with a 10-foot birdie
Total Career Wins Worldwide: 24
Age at Victory: 45
World Ranking After Win: Back inside the top 10

What’s Next for Rose

With his 1st Memphis Playoff Victory, Justin Rose heads into the BMW Championship with renewed confidence and momentum. The Ryder Cup looms, and his current form suggests he could play a key role for Europe in what promises to be another fiercely contested battle.

For now, Rose will savor the win. As he said after hoisting the trophy, “This is going to be a fun one for us to celebrate.” It was not just a win — it was a statement that his competitive fire burns as brightly as ever.

Final Thoughts

The 1st Memphis Playoff Victory for Justin Rose was a masterclass in resilience and precision under pressure. From clawing back a three-shot deficit to draining clutch putts in a playoff, every moment showcased the heart of a champion. Fans at TPC Southwind witnessed not only an unforgettable sporting spectacle but also a powerful reminder that in golf, no lead is safe until the final putt drops.

As the FedEx Cup playoffs march on, this win will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season — and perhaps the start of an exciting late-career surge for one of golf’s most respected figures.