Insane Shots! FedEx St. Jude 2026 Friday Highlights You Can’t Miss
FedEx St. Jude Championship 2026: Friday Highlights & Leaderboard Update
What Happened on Friday?
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is a big professional golf tournament, part of the PGA Tour playoffs. Think of it like the "quarterfinals" of golf’s postseason—only the best players get invited, and every shot counts double.
On Friday, August 14, 2026, the second round wrapped up, and the leaderboard is super tight at the top.
Who’s Leading? (The "5-Under Club")
Five players finished Thursday tied for the lead at 5-under par. In golf, "under par" means they took fewer shots than the course’s standard score—so lower is better.
| Player | Fun Fact |
|---|---|
| Michael Thorbjornsen | Young rising star, former college standout |
| Jordan Spieth | Three-time major winner, fan favorite |
| Kurt Kitayama | Known for power and clutch putting |
| Jake Knapp | First-time PGA Tour winner earlier this season |
| Michael Kim | Steady player with a knack for big weeks |
Important: Being tied at the top after two rounds (36 holes) means nobody has pulled away yet. The weekend is wide open!
Right Behind Them: The "4-Under" Chasers
Seven more players are just one shot back at 4-under par. That includes two huge names:
- Sam Burns – Five-time PGA Tour winner, great putter
- Tommy Fleetwood – English star, consistent in big tournaments
With so many players bunched together, anyone in this group could win with a hot weekend.
How to Follow the Action
ESPN has a live blog embedded right in their article (that’s the big iframe box you see). It updates in real-time with:
- Video highlights of the best shots
- Live scoring updates
- Expert commentary
- Photos from the course
Pro Tip: Bookmark the page and refresh throughout the weekend—golf leaderboards change fast!
ELI5: Why This Tournament Matters
Imagine the PGA Tour season is like a school year. The FedEx Cup Playoffs are final exams. This tournament is Exam #1.
- Top 70 players qualify for this event
- Top 50 after this week move to the next playoff event (BMW Championship)
- Top 30 after that go to the Tour Championship—where the FedEx Cup champion (and $25 million!) is crowned
So every putt this weekend could mean millions of dollars and a shot at history.
Quick Summary
- Event: FedEx St. Jude Championship 2026 (PGA Tour Playoff Event #1)
- Round: Second round (Friday) complete
- Leaders: 5 players tied at 5-under par
- Chasers: 7 players at 4-under par (including Sam Burns & Tommy Fleetwood)
- What’s Next: Weekend rounds (Saturday & Sunday) decide who advances and who wins
- Where to Watch: ESPN live blog, Golf Channel, CBS/Peacock (TV streaming)
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What does "5-under par" actually mean?
Par is the number of shots a pro should take on each hole. If the course par is 70 for 18 holes, and a player shoots 65, that’s 5-under (70 – 65 = 5). It means they played better than expected.
2. Why are so many players tied?
The course (TPC Southwind in Memphis) is tough but fair. When the best golfers in the world play a course that suits everyone, scores bunch up. It’s a sign of high-quality competition.
3. Does Jordan Spieth have an advantage?
He has major championship experience, which helps on Sunday when pressure peaks. But the young guys (Thorbjornsen, Knapp) are fearless. Experience vs. momentum—classic golf storyline!
4. What happens if players are still tied after Sunday?
They play a sudden-death playoff: extra holes until one player wins a hole outright. Heart-pounding stuff!
5. Can I still watch if I missed Friday?
Absolutely! Weekend golf is usually the most exciting part. The leaders tee off last on Saturday/Sunday, so you’ll see all the big names. Check ESPN, Golf Channel, or PGA Tour Live for coverage times.
Final Thought
It’s anyone’s tournament. With 12 players separated by just one shot, this weekend promises drama, clutch putts, and maybe a new star emerging. Grab some snacks, settle in, and enjoy playoff golf at its finest!