Nearing the end of his rookie season on the PGA Tour, Chad Ramey will be in the field at this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship. Having earned his first win in March, Ramey has reached 80th in the FedExCup standings. (The top 125 players will compete at Southwind in the first of three playoff tournaments.) The Fulton, Mississippi, native — a graduate of Mississippi State — shared some thoughts before making his playoff debut.
What have you learned about yourself as a rookie on the PGA Tour?
I’ve been able to go to a lot of new places, and play a lot of great golf courses. I can’t complain at all, picking up my first PGA Tour win. I wish I’d been a little more consistent, but I’ve learned a lot, and can build off that.
What stands out in your memories of that win at the Corales Puntacana Championship?
Those four rounds were really good, but they were far from perfect. You don’t have to be perfect to win. You’re gonna miss golf shots. It’s whoever moves on and gets over them the quickest. I can get in trouble with myself when I want everything to be perfect. Sometimes things can be good, and you create a problem in trying to make them better. I’m working on that.
Did nerves hit you on Sunday?
No doubt. They were there from the first tee to the last putt. I kept telling myself they’re just thoughts, feelings. Stay within myself and execute the game plan. Trust that hard work will pay off.
Have you played Southwind?
I Monday-qualified [for the FESJC] in 2015. And being so close to home, I’ve actually played it quite a bit. I really like the course. I’ve never played it as firm as it was during the tournament. The PGA Tour is going to set it up as firm and fast as they can. I think it’s very fair. If you can get the ball in position off the tee, you’ll have enough scoring clubs in your hand.
This is the first time in Memphis for the FedExCup Playoffs. What’s your perspective as a player on the magnitude of the event?
Everyone’s going to be on high alert, hoping to make the top 70 and get to Delaware [for the second playoff tournament]. This will be my first playoff experience. Can’t wait to be there.
Have you visited St. Jude? Any thoughts on the charitable impact the FESJC makes?
It’s absolutely amazing, what St. Jude does. I haven’t had the chance to visit the hospital, but I’d love to. The caddy bibs, with the pictures the children draw . . . it’s a great foundation. I couldn’t be more proud of what St. Jude does.
The Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour has shaken the sport this year. Do you have thoughts on the changing landscape?
Golf’s in a weird spot right now. I haven’t put a lot of thought into it, to be honest. I’ve tried to be focused on the PGA Tour. My entire life, this is where I’ve wanted to play. And I’m staying true to that.
You attended the Masters as a fan when you were 10 years old. What would playing at Augusta mean to you at this stage of your growing career?
It would mean everything. I’ve never played there. It would be special to finally get there. A dream come true. The ultimate goal was to play on the PGA Tour, but for the Masters to come along with it . . . that would be special.