Scottie Scheffler shoots 61 to take 3-shot lead in Memphis in playoff
opener
[August 15, 2026]
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler birdied the first
five holes and shot a 9-under 61 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead
in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
“Really just a dream start,” Scheffler said. “Probably one of the best
starts I’ve had on tour, to be honest with you. I couldn’t tell you a
time where I’ve been lower early in the round.” |
Scottie Scheffler hits on the ninth hole during the second round of the
St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis,
Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) |
|
The top-ranked Scheffler had 11 birdies and two bogeys in
100-degree heat at TPC Southwind in the playoff opener. He had
an 11-under 129 total.
“The tournament is halfway over,” Scheffler said. “I had two
good rounds to start and hopefully continue that over the
weekend.”
Scheffler tied the tournament course record.
“I wouldn’t say golf’s ever easy,” Scheffler. “I did some good
things out there. I hit some iron shots in there close and was
able to hole a few putts as well.”
He has played the TPC Southwind more times (seven) without
winning than any other course on the PGA Tour.
Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im were tied for second at 8 under.
Hovland had a 64, and Im shot his second 66.
“It was really nice, really solid,” Hovland said. “Hit a lot of
fairways, and I think that’s a big deal for my game, but also
especially at this golf course. I think it’s really difficult to
score if you’re missing fairways.”
Ludvig Aberg was 7 under after a 65.
Jordan Spieth shot 69 to get to 6 under. He was part of a
four-way tie for the first-round lead. Spieth is outside the top
50 in the FedEx Cup who advance to the BMW Championship next
week.
Scheffler entered the week with a 794-point lead over Matt
Fitzpatrick in the FedExCup standings. Fitzpatrick was 3 under
after a 67.
So much emphasis is on getting into the top 50 because that
locks up all the $20 million signature events for next season.
Rory McIlroy played alongside Scheffler the first two days. He
followed an opening 74 with a 70, leaving him tied for 60th at 4
over.
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