5 things from 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship including Hideki Matsuyama in the mix despite robbery and a playoff bubble watch

There’s a lot on the line in Memphis.

While many players in the field are prioritizing the quest for the hardware being doled out Sunday afternoon, there are dozens hoping to work their way — or stay put — into the top 50 of the FedEx Cup Standings and earn a berth in next week’s BMW Championship — all players who make it to the second postseason event are exempt into signature events in 2025.

Chris Kirk, who entered the FedEx St. Jude Championship ranked 28th in the FedEx Cup, was on fire with his irons Thursday, posting a 6-under 64 that was highlighted by a hole-in-one — we’ll get to that in a bit. Taylor Pendrith, Matthieu Pavon and Hideki Matsuyama sit at 5 under, one shot back and in a tie for second. Pendrith, who entered this week 27th in the FedEx Cup, on top of everything else, is fighting for a spot in the Presidents Cup, an event being held later this year in his home country of Canada (he’s currently 13th on the International Team’s points list).

If you missed any of Thursday’s action, no worries, we have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know from the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind.

FedEx St. Jude: Photos | Friday tee times