Scottie Scheffler Fires 61 for Memphis Playoff Lead

Scottie Scheffler surged into a three-shot lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Friday, shooting a 9-under 61 in the second round of the FedExCup playoffs opener in Memphis. The top-ranked player opened with birdies on each of his first five holes and reached the halfway point at 11-under 129.

Scheffler made 11 birdies and two bogeys in 100-degree heat at TPC Southwind, matching the tournament course record. Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im were tied for second at 8 under, while Ludvig Aberg was another shot back at 7 under.

A record-matching round sets the pace

Scheffler described his opening burst as a dream start after producing one of his lowest early stretches on tour. His round placed him firmly in front after 36 holes, with the tournament moving into its weekend rounds and the playoff stakes remaining high.

“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.”

Despite the low score, Scheffler said he would not characterize golf as easy. He pointed to close iron shots and made putts as key components of the 61. It was his seventh time playing TPC Southwind without winning, more appearances without a victory than at any other PGA Tour course in his career.

“I wouldn’t say golf’s ever easy,” Scheffler said. “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.”

The leader said the work was only halfway done. “The tournament is halfway over,” Scheffler said. “I had two good rounds to start and hopefully continue that over the weekend.”

The chase heading into the weekend

Hovland posted a 64 to join Im at 8 under. Im followed his opening round with a second straight 66. Hovland said finding fairways was particularly important at TPC Southwind and described his performance as solid.

“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.”

Aberg’s 65 moved him to 7 under. Jordan Spieth, who shared the first-round lead in a four-way tie, carded a 69 and stood at 6 under. Spieth entered the event outside the top 50 in the FedExCup standings, with the top 50 advancing to next week’s BMW Championship and securing places in next season’s $20 million signature events.

Scheffler began the week holding a 794-point FedExCup lead over Matt Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was 3 under after a 67. Rory McIlroy, paired with Scheffler for the first two rounds, improved from an opening 74 to a 70 but was tied for 60th at 4 over.

What Scheffler’s lead means

Scheffler’s 61 has established the standard at the playoff opener, giving him a three-stroke cushion over Hovland and Im with two rounds remaining. The leaders will head into the weekend with the FedExCup playoff picture continuing to matter, particularly around the top-50 cutoff, while Scheffler seeks to convert his strong start at a course where he has yet to win.