Scheffler matches course record to seize lead at first FedEx play-off event
Scottie Scheffler fired a nine-under 61 in the second round to take a three-shot lead at the St Jude Championship in Memphis, the opening event of the FedEx Cup play-offs.
World number one Scottie Scheffler equalled the TPC Southwind course record with a nine-under-par 61, marking the fourth time in his career he has shot 61 or better on the PGA Tour. The American, who already topped the FedEx Cup standings coming into the tournament, birdied his first five holes and added six more birdies later in the round, with bogeys on the eighth and 12th the only dents in an otherwise flawless card.
Scheffler described it as one of the best starts of his career, saying his swing had felt strong in recent weeks, particularly while playing at home. The round put him at nine under overall after two rounds, three shots clear of the chasing pack.
Chasing pack
South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Norway's Viktor Hovland share second place at eight under, with Sweden's Ludvig Aberg a further shot back. Among the British contingent, reigning FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood leads the way, sitting at six under alongside American Jordan Spieth.
England's Matt Fitzpatrick is three under, while compatriot Aaron Rai, who won his first major at May's US PGA Championship, is two under. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is four over par, but since none of the FedEx play-off events carry a 36-hole cut, he retains the chance to climb the leaderboard over the weekend.
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre withdrew from the tournament on Friday because of a knee injury, having shot a 12-over 82 in the first round. He currently ranks 31st in the FedEx Cup standings; only the top 50 will advance to next week's BMW Championship.
