Justin Rose Claims Win in Intense Playoff Showdown as the Englishman edged JJ Spaun after a dramatic three-hole battle to secure the FedEx St Jude Championship in Tennessee. Rose and Spaun both finished at 16-under-par after regulation play, while Tommy Fleetwood, who had led late in the round, slipped with a costly bogey on the 17th hole. World number one Scottie Scheffler ended a shot back in third place.
Spaun Forces Playoff with Brilliant Final Round
US Open champion Spaun delivered one of the day’s standout performances, shooting a six-under 65. His card featured six birdies, including consecutive gains at the 16th and 17th, with only a single blemish—a bogey on the fifth hole. That surge put him level with Rose, setting up a tense playoff finale.
Rose’s Late Charge Sets the Stage
Rose, 45, started slowly and turned at one-over-par for his round. But a remarkable run of four consecutive birdies from the 14th to the 17th propelled him into contention. He narrowly missed a winning putt on the 18th in regulation, sending the contest into extra holes.
Tense Moments in the Playoff
The first playoff hole mirrored the regulation 18th, with Rose almost driving into the water. Spaun lipped out from long range, and Rose missed again from a similar spot to his earlier attempt. On the second playoff hole, Spaun drained a long birdie putt, but Rose matched him to keep the battle alive. The third and final playoff hole saw Rose hold his nerve, sinking a tricky downhill putt for birdie, while Spaun could only make par.
Rose Reflects on Victory
“That was an amazing last 90 minutes. I never stopped believing,” said Rose, celebrating his first tour win since February 2023. “When I bring my best, I know I can compete with the best players in the world.”
Fleetwood and Scheffler’s Near Misses
Fleetwood had led on the 71st hole but faltered late, continuing his wait for a first win on US soil. Scheffler’s 67 left him one short of the playoff, though he still leads the FedEx Cup standings. Shane Lowry slipped to a tie for 59th after a frustrating finish.
