The FedEx St. Jude Championship may not be the most well-known event on the PGA Tour, but it has certainly made a name for itself in the golf world. While many may see it as just another playoff event, this Memphis tournament has quietly become one of the most controversy-laden stops on the tour. With a history of delivering drama both on and off the course, the FedEx St. Jude Championship has earned a reputation as a must-watch event for golf fans. Let’s take a closer look at the top five controversies that have made this tournament so infamous.
1. The Perfect Storm of Controversy
The FedEx St. Jude Championship has been the center of numerous controversies over the years, and it all started with a perfect storm of events. In 2007, the tournament was moved from its usual spot in June to August, making it the final event before the FedEx Cup playoffs. This change in schedule caused a lot of confusion and backlash from players, who were used to the tournament being held earlier in the season. This led to several big names skipping the event, causing a major blow to its reputation.
2. The FedEx Cup Playoffs Drama
As the final event before the FedEx Cup playoffs, the FedEx St. Jude Championship always carries a lot of weight. In 2009, the tournament was the scene of a major controversy when Brian Gay was disqualified for using a non-conforming driver. This led to a heated debate about the rules and regulations of the PGA Tour, with many questioning the fairness of the disqualification. This incident also brought to light the issue of players using non-conforming equipment, which sparked a new set of regulations for the tour.
3. The Casey Martin Cart Controversy
In 2012, the FedEx St. Jude Championship was once again at the center of a heated controversy. This time, it involved Casey Martin, a professional golfer who suffers from a debilitating leg condition that makes it difficult for him to walk the course. Martin had previously sued the PGA Tour for the right to use a cart during tournaments, and the FedEx St. Jude Championship was the first event where he was allowed to use one. This decision caused a lot of debate among players and fans, with some arguing that it gave Martin an unfair advantage.
4. The Course Controversy
The FedEx St. Jude Championship has also faced criticism for its course conditions over the years. In 2014, the tournament was played on a newly renovated course, which received mixed reviews from players. Some praised the changes, while others complained about the difficulty of the course. This controversy continued in 2015 when the greens were deemed unplayable due to excessive heat and humidity. The tournament was forced to use temporary greens, which caused a lot of frustration among players and fans.
5. The Sponsorship Controversy
In 2018, the FedEx St. Jude Championship faced yet another controversy, this time involving its sponsor. The tournament was renamed the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, with the World Golf Championships (WGC) taking over as the title sponsor. This decision caused a lot of backlash from the local community, who felt that the tournament was losing its identity as a Memphis event. Many also argued that the WGC sponsorship would attract a different type of crowd, taking away from the traditional atmosphere of the tournament.
Despite all of these controversies, the FedEx St. Jude Championship continues to be a highly anticipated event on the PGA Tour. It has proven time and time again that it can deliver drama and excitement both on and off the course. While some may view these controversies as negative, they have also brought attention and publicity to the tournament, making it a must-watch for golf fans.
In conclusion, the FedEx St. Jude Championship may have a controversial reputation, but it has also solidified its place as a significant event on the PGA Tour. From scheduling changes to player disqualifications, this tournament has seen it all. While some may criticize the controversies, they have also added to the tournament’s allure and made it a unique and exciting event for both players and fans. As the tournament continues to evolve and grow, one thing is for sure – the FedEx St. Jude Championship will always be a source of drama and entertainment for golf fans around the world.
