Scheffler Extends Lead to Two Shots Heading Into FedEx St. Jude Championship Final Round

Scottie Scheffler recovered from an early stumble Saturday to post a 2-under 68 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, securing a two-shot advantage over Sam Burns and Sungjae Im heading into Sunday’s decisive final round. The world’s top-ranked golfer, competing at 13-under 197, is attempting to end a frustrating stretch marked by five runner-up finishes and five additional top-four results since capturing his sole victory of 2026 in January.

Burns fired a spectacular 62 to pull within two strokes of Scheffler at 11-under 199, setting up an unprecedented pairing in the final group between the close friends. The two competitors have rarely faced off on Sunday, with their only previous final-round meeting occurring at the 2021 Tour Championship, though Burns defeated Scheffler in a playoff at Colonial in 2022. Im matched Burns’ position at 11-under 199 after carding a 67 and will compete in the penultimate group.

Tommy Fleetwood, the FedEx Cup champion, and Jake Knapp occupy the next tier of challengers, each sitting five shots adrift of Scheffler following rounds of 68 and 67 respectively. The leaderboard below reveals intense competition for position, with multiple players fighting to crack the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings, a threshold guaranteeing entry into next year’s $20 million signature events.

Jordan Spieth confronts mounting pressure after slipping from contention with a 72 that included no birdies until the 11th hole, dropping him to 54th in the FedEx Cup standings and potentially outside the advancement zone. Brian Harman similarly finds himself near the cut line at 65th position following a 69, though his 2023 British Open victory ensures his participation in all major championships next year.

Im stands as the only projected mover into the top 50 after beginning Saturday at 53rd, emphasizing the stakes surrounding Sunday’s competition. Scheffler acknowledged the unusual dynamics of competing against Burns while maintaining their friendship, noting the balance between supporting a close associate and pursuing competitive victory on golf’s grandest stages.

Scorching conditions with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees challenged the field throughout Saturday’s play, with ice-soaked towels distributed at every tee box. Scheffler’s round included a clutch 12-foot par save on the 15th hole and consecutive birdies on the back nine after struggling through the opening five holes, during which he managed only one green in regulation.