Scheffler Dominates: World No. 1 Takes Command at FedEx St. Jude Championship
St Jude Championship: Round Three Recap — Scottie Scheffler Leads Heading Into Final Day
What Is the St Jude Championship?
Think of the St Jude Championship as the first round of the playoffs in professional golf. It’s part of the FedEx Cup — a season-long points race where the top players compete for a huge bonus prize at the end.
Important Point: Only the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings after this tournament move on to next week’s BMW Championship. After that, only the top 30 make it to the Tour Championship — the grand finale!
Round Three Leaderboard (After Saturday)
Here’s who’s at the top after three rounds (54 holes). Lower scores are better — golfers try to finish under par (below the expected number of strokes).
| Position | Player | Country | Score (Under Par) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Scottie Scheffler | USA | -13 |
| T-2nd | Sam Burns | USA | -11 |
| T-2nd | Im Sung-jae | South Korea | -11 |
| T-4th | Jake Knapp | USA | -8 |
| T-4th | Tommy Fleetwood | England | -8 |
Other Notable Scores
- -7: Brian Harman (USA), Alex Noren (Sweden)
- -6: Viktor Hovland (Norway)
- -5: Wyndham Clark (USA)
- -4: Matt Fitzpatrick (England), Jordan Spieth (USA)
- -3: Ludvig Åberg (Sweden)
- -2: Harry Hall (England)
- -1: Aaron Rai (England)
- +6: Justin Rose (England), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
Want the full list? Check the complete leaderboard here
Why This Final Round Is Extra Exciting
1. Scheffler vs. Burns — Best Friends in the Final Pairing
- Scottie Scheffler (World #1) leads by 2 strokes.
- His close friend Sam Burns is right behind him at -11.
- They’ll play together in the final group on Sunday — like a high-stakes game with your best buddy.
Scheffler said:
"It’s always a little weird… I want him to have success so much and I think he wants the same for me. It will be fun being out there with your friend but it’s also a bit weird."
2. Sam Burns Had an Amazing Saturday
- Burns shot a bogey-free 62 — that’s 10 under par for the round!
- No mistakes. Just pure, clean golf.
3. Tommy Fleetwood Is Defending Champion
- Fleetwood won the FedEx Cup last year.
- He’s at -8, five shots back — still in striking distance if things go wild on Sunday.
Big Names Struggled on the 18th Hole
The 18th hole at TPC Southwind has water guarding the fairway. Two superstars found it — badly.
Rory McIlroy (6-time major winner)
- Hit his tee shot into the water.
- Made a double bogey (2 over par on the hole).
- Finished at +6 — 19 shots behind the leader.
Justin Rose (2013 US Open Champion)
- Found the water twice on the same hole.
- Made a triple bogey (3 over par).
- Also finished at +6.
Golf Tip: Even pros have bad holes. One swing can change everything!
What Happens Next?
The Playoff Path — Step by Step
- Sunday Final Round — Everyone plays 18 more holes.
- Top 50 in FedEx Cup standings → Advance to BMW Championship (next week).
- Top 30 after BMW → Advance to Tour Championship (season finale in Atlanta).
- Winner of Tour Championship = FedEx Cup Champion + $25 million bonus!
Summary
- Scottie Scheffler leads at -13 after 54 holes.
- Sam Burns (-11) and Im Sung-jae (-11) are chasing.
- Scheffler and Burns — best friends — play together Sunday.
- Burns shot a flawless 62 Saturday.
- Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose collapsed on the 18th hole, finishing at +6.
- Top 50 advance to next week’s BMW Championship.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What does "under par" mean?
Par is the number of strokes a skilled golfer should take on a hole or course. "Under par" means you took fewer strokes — which is good!
Example: If a course is par 72 and you shoot 68, you’re -4 (4 under par).
2. Why do only 50 players advance?
The FedEx Cup playoffs shrink the field each week.
- This week: Top 70 started → Top 50 advance
- Next week: Top 50 → Top 30 advance
- Final week: Top 30 compete for the title.
3. What’s a "bogey-free" round?
It means the player didn’t make a single bogey (1 over par on any hole).
Sam Burns’ 62 had zero mistakes — very rare and impressive!
4. Why is the 18th hole so dangerous?
It has a water hazard right off the tee. If your drive goes left, it’s wet.
Both McIlroy and Rose hit it there — Rose twice.
5. Can anyone catch Scheffler?
Yes! A 2-shot lead with 18 holes left is not safe in golf.
Burns, Im, Knapp, or Fleetwood could all win with a great round — especially if Scheffler struggles.
Final Thought: Golf playoffs are like a video game elimination bracket — one bad hole and you’re out. Sunday will be must-watch TV!