Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele — two of the biggest names on the PGA Tour — have reportedly been disqualified from participating in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first leg of the 2025 FedEx Cup Playoffs.
The shocking decision was handed down just hours before the tournament’s official tee-off in Memphis, sparking mass confusion, controversy, and speculation across social media and the sporting world.
According to multiple sources close to the PGA Tour, both Scheffler and Schauffele were found in violation of a little-known PGA Tour policy related to player conduct and pre-tournament obligations. While exact details remain murky, initial reports suggest the issue stemmed from an unauthorized private practice round at TPC Southwind, the official venue of the St. Jude Championship.
Sources allege that the two golfers entered the course during restricted hours and failed to notify officials, violating a tournament-specific regulation designed to ensure fairness and maintain course integrity ahead of play.
Fans and analysts alike are stunned by the decision, especially given the stature of the players involved. Scheffler, the current World No. 1 and a favorite to win the entire FedEx Cup, had just come off a dominant season that included multiple major top-5 finishes and a win at the 2025 Open Championship. Schauffele, who was riding a wave of momentum after solid performances this summer, was expected to be a major threat in the playoffs.
“I can’t believe this. Disqualified for what? A practice round?” tweeted one frustrated fan.
“This feels like a political move or a scapegoat situation,” said a former Tour pro on Golf Channel’s emergency segment.
Meanwhile, social media exploded with trending hashtags like #FreeScheffler, #FedExBan, and #GolfGate, as fans demand clarification from the PGA Tour.
While PGA officials have remained tight-lipped, conspiracy theories are already circulating. Some speculate that Scheffler and Schauffele may have unknowingly violated the rule, having received conflicting guidance from event coordinators. Others believe internal Tour politics or power plays may have played a role — especially given the Tour’s recent struggles with LIV Golf defections and increased scrutiny over player treatment.
Interestingly, neither player has released a statement at the time of writing. Their management teams have declined to comment, and both Scheffler and Schauffele were seen leaving the TPC Southwind clubhouse abruptly this morning, fueling even more speculation.
The disqualification throws the entire 2025 FedEx Cup Playoffs into disarray. Scheffler was the No. 1 seed heading into the St. Jude Championship, while Schauffele was ranked inside the top 50 and had a realistic shot at qualifying for the BMW Championship.
With both now removed from contention — at least for the opening round — it’s unclear whether they’ll be allowed to return for subsequent playoff events, or whether this disqualification marks the end of their 2025 postseason hopes.
Tour officials are expected to hold a press conference later today to clarify the nature of the rule breach, possible appeals, and what this means for the FedEx Cup standings moving forward.
The PGA Tour is under immense pressure to deliver answers. Will the ban be lifted? Will fans ever learn the full truth? Is this the beginning of a much larger controversy?
As the FedEx Cup Playoffs roll on without two of its biggest stars, one thing is clear: golf may never be the same again.
Stay tuned for live updates as this developing story continues to unfold…