Spieth misses BMW Championship after FedEx St. Jude near-miss

Key points

• Spieth finished tied for 19th at the FedEx St. Jude Championship with rounds of 65, 69, 72, and 70, totaling 4 under par.
• Spieth entered the tournament ranked 54th in the FedExCup standings and needed a top-10 finish to secure a spot in the BMW Championship.
• Spieth missed a 35-foot putt on the 18th hole, which would have improved his chances of advancing to the next playoff stage.
• Scottie Scheffler won the FedEx St. Jude Championship by eight strokes at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Spieth stated he felt his game was improving and attributed the recent struggles to a six-week period of missteps rather than a fundamental issue.

Background

Spieth had previously acknowledged a 2026 misstep in his approach, noting he pressed too hard as his game slipped. His strong opening round of 65 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship signaled a return to form, but the final result did not translate into playoff advancement. The elimination also impacts his 2027 schedule, as missing the top 50 sacrifices a guaranteed spot in the $20 million signature events.

How outlets are covering it

Heavy Sports emphasized Spieth's personal confidence and his belief that his game is 'close to kicking off,' focusing on his mindset and future potential. USA Today provided a broader context by listing all 20 players eliminated from the FedExCup Playoffs, including Keith Mitchell, Max Homa, and Harris English, and highlighted Scottie Scheffler's dominant victory. Both outlets agreed on the final standings and Spieth's elimination but differed in focus, with Heavy Sports centering on Spieth's narrative and USA Today on the overall playoff cutoff.

Why it matters

The result ends Spieth's 2026 season and impacts his 2027 schedule, as missing the top 50 sacrifices a guaranteed spot in the $20 million signature events. The FedExCup Playoffs continue with the BMW Championship in St. Louis, beginning August 20, where the remaining top 50 players will compete for the FedExCup title.

What to watch

The PGA Tour's FedExCup Playoffs will continue with the BMW Championship in St. Louis, starting August 20. The top 50 players from the FedExCup standings will compete in this event, with the final playoff stage following thereafter. Spieth will not participate in the remaining playoff events, as his season has concluded.