Jordan Spieth keeps a clean card in the mud for a 63 to lead the PGA Tour playoff opener

Jordan Spieth showcased remarkable finesse amidst challenging weather conditions during the opening round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, carding a pristine 7-under 63. The Texan golfer’s performance was highlighted by an eagle on the 16th and a crucial par putt on the 17th. This marked Spieth’s first 18-hole lead on the PGA Tour since January’s Sony Open, following which he missed the cut. The TPC Southwind course was drenched due to early-morning rainstorms, setting the stage for a demanding start to the PGA Tour postseason.

The damp and muddy conditions added to the complexities of the PGA Tour playoff opener. Rainfall totaling 2 inches led to a delay of over two hours and left the TPC Southwind course soggy and challenging. Tom Kim’s decision to roll up his pants in an effort to avoid mud, reminiscent of his past misadventures with muck, underlined the tricky nature of the conditions. Despite the weather’s obstacles, players like Spieth and Collin Morikawa managed to shine. The latter shot a 65 to join Emiliano Grillo two shots behind the lead.

However, not all players had an ideal round. The current No. 1 seed in the FedEx Cup chase, Jon Rahm, faced difficulties, including dirty pants and a scorecard that mirrored his struggles. He had to salvage a bogey on the par-5 16th after hitting a tee shot out-of-bounds and faced more challenges on subsequent holes. Despite these varying performances, the leaderboard remains dynamic with the PGA Tour postseason well underway.

As the tournament progresses, Spieth’s impressive start positions him at No. 31 in the FedEx Cup rankings, guaranteeing him a spot in the BMW Championship. The focus remains on achieving a top 30 position to secure a spot in the prestigious Tour Championship. With the unpredictable conditions adding to the stakes, the PGA Tour postseason promises both challenges and opportunities for players to secure their positions in upcoming signature tournaments.