MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In a remarkable display of skill and precision, Scottie Scheffler birdied the first five holes and finished with a stunning 9-under 61 on Friday, positioning himself with a three-stroke lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
“Really just a dream start,” Scheffler remarked. “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.” This sentiment highlights not only his confidence but also his experience as the top-ranked player on the PGA Tour.
The 27-year-old golfer recorded 11 birdies and two bogeys during the round, all while contending with the sweltering 100-degree heat at TPC Southwind, which is known for its challenging layout.
With a total score of 11-under 129, Scheffler expressed his optimism: “The tournament is halfway over. I had two good rounds to start and hopefully continue that over the weekend.” His performance not only puts him in a favorable position but also ties the course record for the event.
“I wouldn’t say golf’s ever easy,” Scheffler added. “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.” His ability to remain composed under pressure is a testament to his expertise in the sport.
Interestingly, Scheffler has played at TPC Southwind more times (seven) without a win than at any other course on the PGA Tour, adding an intriguing layer to his current success.
Following Scheffler is Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im, who are tied for second at 8 under. Hovland shot a 64, while Im completed his second round with a 66. Hovland commented, “It was really nice, really solid. 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.”
Other notable performances include Ludvig Aberg, who stands at 7 under after a 65, and Jordan Spieth, who shot a 69, placing him at 6 under. Spieth, who was part of a four-way tie for the first-round lead, finds himself outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings, which is crucial for him as it determines qualification for the upcoming BMW Championship.
Entering the event, Scheffler held a commanding 794-point lead over Matt Fitzpatrick in the FedExCup standings. Fitzpatrick currently sits at 3 under after a 67, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, the pressure mounts, particularly for players like Spieth who aim to secure their positions for signature events worth $20 million next season. Rory McIlroy, who played alongside Scheffler during the first two rounds, struggled with an opening 74 and followed it up with a 70, leaving him tied for 60th at 4 over.
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