Things you need to know before you go
From Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson to Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth, some of the biggest names in golf will soon converge on Memphis for the WGC-FEDEX St. Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind. This year’s iteration of the annual golf tournament will be the city’s first World Golf Championships event, a milestone even for a city with a rich golf history.
In addition to the star-studded lineup, the venue will host a variety of food and drink experiences and interactive zones for the whole family. So whether you’re the world’s biggest golf fan or just there for the ambiance, the invitational has a little something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to go.
Where and when
The tournament runs from July 2428 at TPC Southwind, a private golf course inside the Southwind development. Practice rounds will take place on the 24th, with competition starting the next day.
Gates open at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday with tee times starting at 11 a.m. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 9 a.m. with tee times starting at 10 a.m. Tournament organizers say official tee times will be announced the night before each round.
Getting around
City of Memphis spokesperson Arlenia Cole said there would be no road closures around the event, crediting the tournament’s parking shuttle system with keeping traffic manageable. However, everyone driving through the area should expect more traffic than usual.
Tournament organizers recommend using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. There are designated pickup and drop-off points on the grounds.
Parking and tickets
If you do choose to drive yourself, there are several parking options. Those who want to be as close to the action as possible can park onsite. Parking passes range from $40 to $50 per day, depending on the day, and can be purchased online. Free parking will be available at May Park on Quince Road. A shuttle will take attendees from the lot to the golf course. On Saturday and Sunday, additional parking will be available in Lot X at Fedex headquarters for $20, cash only. Handicap accessible parking is available at 8180 Sedgwick Way, with transportation from the lot to the tournament.
Ticket packages to watch the pros play range from the plebeian to the plush. Individual day passes start at $25 while the weekly clubhouse ticket, which comes with prime seats and access to a clubhouse with free food and an open, full bar for the duration of the tournament, will set you back $1,200. Children 18 and younger can get in free with a paying adult and college students can purchase $25 tickets with a student ID.
Non-golf offerings
If a full day of watching golf isn’t your cup of tea or you simply want to see everything the the invitational has to offer, TPC Southwind will also play host to a variety of local food vendors and fun activities.
For foodies, “The Pit” will feature classic Memphis barbecue from four of the area’s best-known barbecue joints and a bar while the “901 Boulevard” area will feature four local food trucks, another bar, shaded seating and lawn games. Memphis chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman — James Beard Award finalists and the culinary minds behind four Memphis restaurants, including Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen and Hog & Hominy —are preparing a custom menu for the tournament which will be served in the “Birdies and Bubbles” area. The ULTRA deck, sponsored by Michelob ULTRA, will provide — you guessed it — Michelob ULTRA and views of the practice range.
The Hub area just beyond the 18th green will include the Autozone Fanzone and the Grey Goose bar, where you can sample the “Love Me Ginger,” an Elvis-inspired cocktail with vodka, ginger beer, lime and cranberry juice. Golf lovers should also note, if you want to get a selfie with or an autograph from your favorite player, there are designated autograph zones around the course where players have been asked to stop in to meet fans.
Corinne Kennedy is a reporter for the Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne.kennedy@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Corinneskennedy