💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Scottie Scheffler dominated the opening two rounds of the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Friday, carding a 9-under 61 at TPC Southwind in Memphis to build a three-stroke advantage over the field. The world’s top-ranked golfer birdied five consecutive holes to start his round and finished with 11 birdies against just two bogeys despite temperatures reaching 100 degrees at the playoff opener.
Scheffler’s 129 total through 36 holes tied the tournament course record at the venue. His performance included several precise iron shots and successful putts that he capitalized on throughout the day. “Probably one of the best starts I’ve had on tour,” Scheffler said of his early five-hole birdie streak, noting the tournament remained competitive with half the event still to play.
Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im occupied second place at 8 under, with Hovland shooting 64 and Im adding a second consecutive 66. Hovland attributed his solid performance to accurate tee shots, citing fairway accuracy as crucial for scoring success at the challenging course. Ludvig Aberg sat alone in third place at 7 under following a 65.
Jordan Spieth, who shared the first-round lead, carded a 69 to reach 6 under and now sits outside the top 50 in FedEx Cup standings required to advance to next week’s BMW Championship. Scheffler entered the week with a 794-point cushion over second-ranked Matt Fitzpatrick, who shot 67 to sit at 3 under.
Rory McIlroy, paired with Scheffler for the opening two rounds, struggled to keep pace, following an opening 74 with a 70 to sit tied for 60th at 4 over. The quest for top-50 FedEx Cup positioning carries added weight this season, as finishing there secures access to all $20 million signature events scheduled for the coming year.
More Stories
U.S. Men’s Flag Football Team Suffers First Loss in 14 Years to American Samoa
Butch Huskey, Among Final MLB Players to Wear Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, Dead at 54
Vegas Golden Knights Mark Decade in NHL With Elaborate Center Ice Design