The PGA Tour's band is back together this week as the FedEx Cup playoffs tee off with the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, on Thursday. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 2 Rory McIlroy are both in the field, playing together in a featured pairing Thursday and Friday. It's the beginning of a grueling three-week stretch in scorching heat, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 101 degrees on the weekend.

McIlroy, who hasn't played since The Open on July 19, said he views the playoffs as one big, long 12-round event. Defending champion Justin Rose is considering using an umbrella during play, something he has never done before. The 69-man field will face a heat advisory through Sunday.

There also will be plenty of figurative heat on golfers on the bubble for next week's BMW Championship, as only the top 50 advance. Among those needing strong finishes: Jordan Spieth (54th), Shane Lowry (62nd), and Brian Harman (65th). The St. Jude Championship will not be part of the top-tier Championship Series in 2028, but may remain in the Challenger Series.