Scottie Scheffler shoots 61 to take 3-shot lead in Memphis in playoff opener

Memphis, Tenn. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler carded a remarkable 9-under 61 on Friday, establishing a three-stroke lead in the FedEx St. Jude Championship during the second round. Overcoming the sweltering 100-degree heat at TPC Southwind, the top-ranked player posted an impressive 11 birdies and two bogeys in 100-degree heat, securing the tournament's playoff opener with an 11-under 129 total, which tied the course record.

Scheffler, who has played the TPC Southwind seven times without winning, has more experiences on the course than any other on the PGA Tour. Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im shared the second-place position with an 8-under total, Hovland shot a 64, and Im recorded his second 66. Ludvig Aberg finished at 7 under after a 65. Jordan Spieth, who was part of a four-way tie for the first-round lead, shot a 69 to reach 6 under.

However, Spieth is not currently in the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings, which would grant him access to all $20 million signature events for the upcoming season. Scheffler entered the week with a 794-point advantage over Matt Fitzpatrick in the FedExCup standings. Fitzpatrick managed to finish at 3 under after a 67. Notably, Rory McIlroy played alongside Scheffler in the first two days, but he followed an opening 74 with a 70, leaving him tied for 60th at 4 over.