Rory McIlroy will be paired with world number one Scottie Scheffler for the opening two rounds of the FedEx St Jude Championship.
The Northern Irishman returns to action at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, as the FedExCup Playoffs get underway, with a $10 million (€8.7 million) prize awaiting the eventual champion.
Scottie Scheffler. Photo credit: World Pictures, Shutterstock
Scheffler currently leads the FedExCup standings, while McIlroy sits in 12th heading into the first of three playoff events.
The pair will feature in the marquee group on Thursday, teeing off at 2.30pm Irish time.
They will play their second round together on Friday, with a later start time of 5.30pm Irish time.
Rory McIlroy. Photo credit: Andre61, Shutterstock
McIlroy, who is chasing a record-extending fourth FedExCup title, missed last year's FedEx St Jude Championship but has returned to the field this time around.
The back-to-back Masters champion has played just six events since successfully defending his title at Augusta National in April, with three of those coming outside of the majors.
His best result during that period was a tied-seventh finish at the Genesis Scottish Open, while he also recorded tied-12th at The Memorial and tied-19th at the Truist Championship.
McIlroy's putting mentor Brad Faxon believes the 37-year-old has earned the right to carefully select which tournaments he plays.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Faxon said McIlroy has benefited from taking time away from the sport following his Masters success.
He said: “After back-to-back Masters titles, he is like, 'not only financially can I afford to do this but mentally, too'.”
Faxon added that the demands placed on McIlroy away from the course can contribute to mental fatigue.
“Rory is not physically tired after playing a round of golf but it is the mental fatigue of always being on, always in the spotlight, never getting a break,” he said.
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McIlroy will now have to navigate three consecutive playoff events if he is to claim the FedExCup.
The top 70 players qualified for this week's FedEx St Jude Championship, with only the top 50 progressing to next week's BMW Championship.
The field will then be reduced to the top 30 for the season-ending Tour Championship.
Shane Lowry is also competing in Memphis, beginning the playoffs in 62nd place in the standings.
The Offaly man needs to finish inside the top 50 this week to progress to the BMW Championship.
Max Homa. Image credit: World Pictures, Shutterstock
Lowry has been paired with American Max Homa for the opening two rounds. They will tee off at 4.30pm Irish time on Thursday before returning at 1.20pm on Friday.
Winners of the first two playoff events will earn 750 FedExCup points, before the points are reset ahead of the Tour Championship.
The winner of the Tour Championship will be crowned FedExCup champion and receive $10 million, along with a five-year PGA Tour exemption.
McIlroy has previously won the FedExCup three times, in 2016, 2019 and 2022.
Scheffler won the title in 2024, while Tommy Fleetwood claimed last year's championship.
All players who qualified for the FedEx St Jude Championship are guaranteed their PGA Tour cards for 2027, while reaching the BMW Championship brings further benefits, including places in next season's signature events.
The top 30 who make it to the Tour Championship will also receive a two-year PGA Tour exemption and a place in next year's Masters.
