Scottie Scheffler birdied his first five holes Friday and never looked back. The world number one shot a nine-under-par 61 at TPC Southwind in Memphis, equaling the course record and opening a three-stroke lead after the second round of the St. Jude Championship.
According to BBC Sport, the round was Scheffler's fourth career round of 61 or better on the PGA Tour. He finished with 11 birdies and just two bogeys, on the eighth and 12th holes.
"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," Scheffler said. "My swing has felt really good in the past couple weeks, especially playing at home. It was nice to get out there and get things rolling early in the round and was able to keep the momentum going and shoot myself a nice round."
Scheffler entered the week already leading the FedEx Cup standings. The St. Jude Championship is the first of three FedEx Cup playoff events.
South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Norway's Viktor Hovland sit tied for second at eight under. Sweden's Ludvig Aberg is one stroke further back at seven under. Reigning FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood of England is the highest-placed British player, tied at six under alongside Jordan Spieth, Nico Echavarria, and Brian Harman.
Rory McIlroy sits at four over par. Because there is no 36-hole cut at any FedEx playoff event, McIlroy will have the opportunity to improve his position over the weekend.
One player who will not get that chance is Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, who withdrew before Friday's round with a knee injury. MacIntyre had shot an 82 in the first round and currently sits 31st in the FedEx Cup standings. The top 50 players will advance to next week's BMW Championship.
