61! Scheffler Ties Course Record, Takes 3-Shot Memphis Lead
Scottie Scheffler’s Amazing Start at the FedEx St. Jude Championship
What Happened on Friday?
On a scorching hot Friday in Memphis, Tennessee, the world’s #1 golfer Scottie Scheffler played what might be the best round of his career. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Score: 9-under par 61 (that’s really, really good!)
- Lead: 3 strokes ahead of everyone else
- Total after two rounds: 11-under par 129
- Weather: 100 degrees Fahrenheit (super hot!)
Important Point: In golf, "under par" means you took fewer shots than the course expects. The more "under par" you are, the better you’re playing!
The "Dream Start" Explained
Scheffler didn’t just play well — he started perfectly:
- Hole 1: Birdie
- Hole 2: Birdie
- Hole 3: Birdie
- Hole 4: Birdie
- Hole 5: Birdie
That’s five birdies in a row to start the round!
Scheffler said: "Really just a dream start. 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."
By the Numbers
- 11 birdies total (great holes)
- 2 bogeys (not-so-great holes)
- Tied the course record at TPC Southwind
- 7th time playing this course — still hasn’t won here (most visits without a win of any course on tour)
Who’s Chasing Scheffler?
| Player | Score | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Viktor Hovland | 8-under | Tied 2nd |
| Sungjae Im | 8-under | Tied 2nd |
| Ludvig Åberg | 7-under | 4th |
| Jordan Spieth | 6-under | Tied 5th |
Quick Player Notes
- Hovland shot a 64 — said hitting fairways (the short grass) was key
- Im shot his second straight 66 — very consistent!
- Åberg continues his strong rookie season with a 65
- Spieth needs a good weekend — he’s outside the top 50 in FedEx Cup standings
Important Point: Only the top 50 in FedEx Cup points advance to next week’s BMW Championship. Making the top 50 also locks in entry to all $20 million "Signature Events" next season — huge money and prestige!
The Big Picture: FedEx Cup Standings
Current Leaders
- Scottie Scheffler — Had a 794-point lead entering the week
- Matt Fitzpatrick — 3-under after Friday (shot 67)
Notable Struggle
Rory McIlroy (another superstar) played alongside Scheffler for two days:
- Thursday: 74 (+2)
- Friday: 70 (even par)
- Total: 4-over par, tied for 60th place
Why This Tournament Matters
The Playoff System Explained Simply
Think of it like the NFL playoffs but for golf:
- FedEx St. Jude Championship ← WE ARE HERE (Top 70 players)
- BMW Championship (Top 50 players)
- Tour Championship (Top 30 players) → Winner gets $25 MILLION!
What’s at Stake This Week
- Top 50 → Advance to next week + get into all big-money events next year
- Good finish → Boost FedEx Cup points for better playoff seeding
- Win → Huge confidence, big prize money, and playoff momentum
Summary
Scottie Scheffler put on a clinic Friday at TPC Southwind:
- Historic start: 5 birdies to begin the round
- 9-under 61 in 100°F heat
- 3-stroke lead heading into the weekend
- Tied course record at a course where he’s never won (7 tries!)
Chasing pack: Hovland and Im at 8-under, Åberg at 7-under, Spieth fighting for playoff life at 6-under.
Weekend storyline: Can Scheffler finally break through at TPC Southwind? Can Spieth climb into the top 50? Will the heat affect scoring?
FAQ
What does "9-under 61" mean?
The course "par" (expected score) is 70. Scheffler shot 61 — that’s 9 strokes better than expected! In golf, lower score = better.
What’s a birdie? What’s a bogey?
- Birdie = 1 stroke under par on a hole (great!)
- Bogey = 1 stroke over par on a hole (not great)
- Par = Expected number of strokes for a hole
Why is the top 50 so important?
Only the top 50 in FedEx Cup points after this tournament advance to the BMW Championship next week. PLUS — making top 50 guarantees entry into all 2027 "Signature Events" with $20 million purses each!
Has Scheffler won at this course before?
No! This is his 7th time playing TPC Southwind — more appearances without a win than any other course on the PGA Tour. He’s trying to change that this weekend.
How does the FedEx Cup playoff work?
Three tournaments, field gets smaller each week:
- This week: Top 70 → Top 50 advance
- Next week: Top 50 → Top 30 advance
- Final week: Top 30 compete for $25 million grand prize!
Article based on ESPN reporting from Memphis, TN — August 14, 2026