Scheffler Fires 68 to Build Two-Shot FedEx St. Jude Championship Lead

Scottie Scheffler leads the FedEx St. Jude Championship at 13-under 197 following a 2-under 68 in the third round.

Scottie Scheffler carded a 2-under 68 on Saturday at TPC Southwind to reach a 13-under 197 total, establishing a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The world No. 1 sits ahead of Sam Burns, who surged into contention with a 62, and Sungjae Im, who posted a 67. Both challengers sit tied for second at 11-under 199. Scheffler is currently attempting to snap a streak of five runner-up finishes and five additional top-4 results recorded since his solitary 2026 victory in his season-opening tournament.

Tommy Fleetwood, the defending FedEx Cup champion, shot 68 to join Jake Knapp, who carded a 67, at five strokes off the pace. Scheffler’s third round began with difficulty as he hit only one green in regulation through the first five holes. On the par-5 third, his second shot from the right rough struck a tree and dropped vertically, leaving him in mangled rough. Despite having 111 yards remaining for his fourth shot, he placed the ball within 12 feet and converted the par putt. He recorded a bogey on the fourth hole after missing the green long but recovered with a birdie on the par-3 eighth.

Battle for the Top 50 and Signature Events

The final round carries significant implications for the FedEx Cup playoffs, as only the top 50 players in the standings advance to the BMW Championship. Securing a spot in the top 50 also guarantees entry into every $20 million signature event for the 2027 season. Jordan Spieth fell from a tie for fifth to a tie for 19th after shooting a 2-over 72. Spieth, who currently sits at No. 54 in the standings, failed to record a birdie until the 11th hole. He is currently projected to miss the top 50 cutoff.

Sungjae Im entered the week ranked No. 53 but is the only player currently projected to move into the top 50 following his performance in the final Saturday pairing. Brian Harman, who arrived at Memphis ranked No. 65, carded a 69 to move into a tie for sixth place. Harman, the 2023 British Open winner, noted that the signature series is where the best golf is played. Meanwhile, Keith Mitchell is projected at No. 49 after a round that left him tied for 22nd. Maverick McNealy holds the projected No. 50 spot while also tied for 22nd.

Final Group Pairing and Weather Conditions

Sunday marks the first time Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns will compete together in a final group. While Burns defeated Scheffler in a 2022 playoff at Colonial, their only previous Sunday pairing occurred at the 2021 Tour Championship when neither was in contention. Burns enters the final day following a season featuring close calls at both the U.S. Open and the British Open, though he has yet to secure a win this year. Scheffler noted the dynamic of playing against a close friend, stating he wants success for Burns but expects a normal competition.

Conditions at TPC Southwind were extreme on Saturday, with the heat index exceeding 100 degrees. Tournament organizers provided towels soaked in ice water at every tee box to combat the temperature. Scheffler maintained his advantage on the back nine by holing consecutive birdies early in the half and securing a critical 12-foot par save on the 15th hole. He emphasized that making 10- to 15-footers was essential for maintaining his momentum throughout the round.