Rose birdies six of the final eight holes to beat US Open champion Spaun in FedEx Cup thriller
Justin Rose delivered one of the most extraordinary comebacks of his career to win the FedEx St Jude Championship, producing a stunning run of six birdies in his last eight holes before defeating JJ Spaun in a playoff.
At 45, Rose became the oldest European to win on the PGA Tour in the modern era, underlining his enduring class and composure under pressure. His victory in Memphis not only secured the tournament title but also earned him the prestigious FedEx Cup crown.
The Englishman’s chances had looked slim after a bogey at the 12th hole dropped him to 12 under par, leaving him two shots adrift of the lead held by a chasing pack that included Tommy Fleetwood, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and US Open champion Spaun.
Rose’s response was electric. A birdie at the par-three 13th sparked his charge, followed by a precision approach at the 14th to set up another. He kept the momentum rolling with further birdies at the 15th and 16th, drawing level with the leaders as the Memphis crowd began to sense the possibility of something special.
On the 17th, a perfect tee shot gave him another makeable chance, which he calmly converted. His final birdie in regulation came at the 18th, where an ice-cold putt under the most intense pressure lifted him to 18 under and tied with Spaun.
The playoff was a test of nerve. Both men found the fairway on the first extra hole, but Rose’s second shot landed closer. When Spaun missed his birdie attempt, the stage was set for Rose. He rolled the putt in with authority, raising his arms in triumph as the crowd roared.
For Rose, this was a victory built on patience and belief. “I stayed in the moment and trusted my game,” he said afterwards. “I knew I had to be aggressive over those last few holes, and everything just clicked.”
Spaun, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Rose’s brilliance. “That was incredible golf from Justin. He deserved it—when someone finishes like that, there’s not much you can do.”
The win cements Rose’s place among the most accomplished European golfers in history, adding to a glittering résumé that includes a US Open title, Olympic gold, and multiple Ryder Cup appearances. It also provides a statement that age is no barrier when experience, skill, and mental fortitude align.
Fleetwood, who had been in contention throughout, fell just short after a pair of late missed birdie opportunities. Scheffler, meanwhile, struggled to capitalise on his world No. 1 ranking, faltering over the closing stretch.
For Rose, this FedEx Cup triumph may carry extra weight given the challenges he has faced in recent seasons. Injury setbacks and swings in form had led some to wonder whether his best days were behind him. Sunday’s performance was a resounding answer.
As he hoisted the trophy, the smile on Rose’s face told the story—this was more than just another win; it was a career-defining resurgence, achieved on one of golf’s biggest stages, against the fiercest of fields.