Hideki Matsuyama trailed by five shots over four holes but rallied in time on Sunday to win the St. Jude Classic by two shots.
The 32-year-old Japanese carded a par 70 for a total of 263, minus 17.
The first of the three playoff tournaments has tense moments on top of the leaderboard, but also to determine which 50 players will advance in the table.
Nick Dunlap went from having a chance to win to needing his best tee shot to extend his season, giving the task. Dunlap (69) finished fifth, four shots behind the winner, along with Sam Burns (67).
“He just stayed strong,” Dunlap said of Matsuyama. This is very impressive. There is a reason why he won at Augusta (in 2021), and many other times as well. It was great to see him at work. He deserves it. »
Tom Kim looked certain to advance before double bogeys on his final two holes ended his season.
Viktor Hovland (66) had a one-shot lead with two holes remaining, but finished tied for second with Xander Schauffele (63), who had seven birdies.
Matsuyama took a five-shot lead after a 20-foot putt for birdie on the 11th hole. But after a disastrous sequence, including a water ball, he was one shot behind Hovland, the reigning FedEx Cup champion.
Matsuyama limited the damage with a 25-foot putt for birdie on the 17th hole. He won for the second time this year after the Genesis Invitational in February. He won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games. His win on Sunday earned him $3.6 million.
Scottie Scheffler finished fourth with a 66.
The 50th and final spot went to Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, after a 68.
Taylor Pendrith is the best Canadian in 22nd place at 6 under, after a 67. The maple leaf is also represented by Adam Hadwin (70, for one under), Corey Conners (70, for one under ), Mackenzie Hughes (69, for par) and Nick Taylor (77, for an extra three).
The FedEx Cup playoffs continue next week at the BMW Championship near Denver.