TPC Southwind hosts the FedEx St. Jude Championship this week, offering golf fans plenty to quench their thirst, fill their bellies or take home the best souvenir of the PGA Tour event.
Before some of the world’s best golfers began playing, the Commercial Appeal prepared a scouting report and enlisted the help of Jerry Campbell, vice president of operations for Proof of Pudding, the company that provides catering for the tournament.
“It’s extremely important to us to include as many local flavors and businesses as possible – even when we source our food and design our menus,” Campbell said.
The Lookout, an open-air venue, offers a bar and local food and drinks from local businesses. Cxffeeblack provides coffee in the morning. Memphis-based Snowbirds offers snow cones to help guests cool off from the heat later in the day.
The 18th & Mane venue near the 18th fairway will serve as a central point and house the PGA TOUR Fan Shop, The Hub, an air-conditioned venue featuring live music, and The Backyard, a shaded area where fans can find Pronto Pups and specialty cocktails from the two-sided bar.
Campbell’s pick for the best food on the square is The Backyard’s Pork Carnitas Nachos. Campbell added that this won’t sway true Memphisians from their love of Commissary or other well-known barbecue dishes like Rendezvous, but the 16- to 20-hour smoking process of the meat, as well as the kitchen making everything fresh and from scratch, makes for a wonderful experience.
“With that smoke and aroma after 16 hours of smoking, the taste is just incredible,” Campbell said.
Campbell claims that Proof of Pudding’s cheeseburger offering is the “best burger in sports and entertainment,” and lists it as a strong second choice for guests who forgo nachos.
The fan shop sells apparel and souvenirs, including local brand items and caddy bibs designed by St. Jude patients.
Located at 18 Green Courtyard, Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge serves signature cocktails, and the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Family Care Suite accommodates families with young children.
Birdies & Bubbles serves dishes and cocktails from award-winning chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman and is located on the 16th fairway. This year, for the first time, guests will also be able to purchase Pronto Pups in the Birdies & Bubbles tent. Pronto Pup, according to Campbell, is a nostalgic nod to traditional foods typically eaten at county fairs and sporting events.
The Pit features Memphis BBQ from The Commissary, near the TPC Southwind Silos, overlooking the eighth green and ninth tee hole.
Patriot’s Outpost, presented by Big River Steel, is a shaded venue on the eighth green for military members and veterans with valid ID.
The Bluff at 14, a new venue on the final par-3 hole, offers spectator areas and special offers.
You can reach the author Josh Crawford via email at @[email protected] or via X at @JCrawford5656
