{
  "id": 921627,
  "title": "Scottie Scheffler shoots 61, grabs 3-shot lead in Memphis playoff opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/scottie-scheffler-shoots-61-grabs-3-shot-lead-in-memphis-playoff",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T00:20:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/golf/2026/08/14/scottie-scheffler-shoots-61-to-take-3-shot-lead-in-memphis-in-playoff-opener"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Memphis, Tenn. (AP) — Golf sensation Scottie Scheffler shot an impressive 9-under 61 on Friday, grabbing a three-stroke lead in the FedEx St. Jude Championship's playoff opener. Amid scorching 11-degree Celsius heat at TPC Southwind, the top-ranked player posted 11 birdies and just two bogeys, securing an 11-under 129 total. The 31-year-old's score tied the tournament course record, which he holds from seven previous visits without a win.\n\nViktor Hovland and Sungjae Im shared the second-place position at 8-under, with Hovland carding a 64 and Im a second 66. Jordan Spieth tied the first-round lead at 6-under, posting a 69, though the Texas native struggles to secure a spot in the FedEx Cup standings. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy played alongside Scheffler for the first two rounds but finished tied for 60th at 4-over, trailing the leader by 14 strokes. Canadian golfers Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Nick Taylor, and Corey Conners occupied higher spots in the leaderboard, with Yellamaraju and Taylor tied for ninth at 5-under, and Conners sharing 52nd at 2-over.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Scottie Scheffler shoots 61, leads by three strokes",
    "11 birdies, 2 bogeys, 129 total score",
    "Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im share second place"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Scheffler's dominant performance cements his position as a strong contender, while Rory McIlroy's struggles put him in a tough spot to advance in the FedEx Cup standings.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Scottie Scheffler shoots 61 to take 3-shot lead in Memphis in playoff opener",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/scottie-scheffler-shoots-61-to-take-3-shot-lead-in-memphis-in-playoff",
        "published": "2026-08-15T00:23:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}