The FedEx Cup Playoffs opened in Memphis with the kind of twist only Jordan Spieth can supply. On a brutal day at TPC Southwind, Spieth put together a bogey-free five-under 65 and finished Thursday tied for the clubhouse lead at the St. Jude Championship.
That’s enough to wake up Spieth Nation all over again.
Spieth has long been one of the PGA Tour’s biggest draws, dating back to the stretch when he won three major championships. These days, a lot of the fascination comes from the same place as the frustration: his game has been unpredictable, and every strong round feels like it could be the start of something bigger. Thursday was exactly that kind of day.
It also matters a lot more than just the leaderboard. Spieth entered the week 54th in the FedEx Cup standings, which leaves him in position to sneak inside the top 50 and reach next week’s BMW Championship. Fall short, and his season could end Sunday afternoon.
For now, though, he’s given his supporters something to cling to.
The round had the full Spieth experience. Early on the par-5 third, he drove the ball into the porta-potties in the left trees, drew a free drop and still escaped with par. Later, on the par-4 15th, he didn’t appear thrilled with his approach, but the shot found the green and he rolled in an 18-footer for his fifth birdie of the day.
Spieth’s season has been steady without ever turning into a breakthrough. He has played 21 events this year, missed only three cuts, and still hasn’t posted a top-10 finish. That’s what makes his spot in the playoffs so unusual: he’s the only player in the field this week who got into the postseason without a single top-10 on the year.
So yes, there’s hope again. Spieth has a way of doing that.
Whether Thursday becomes the beginning of an improbable run to his first win since April of 2022, or just another tease before the usual slide, Friday will tell us more. For the moment, he’s in the mix, and that alone is enough to make this week feel a lot more interesting.