Scottie Scheffler is set to remain atop the FedExCup points leaderboard following this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, keeping him well-positioned for a potential $5 million bonus. Although his recent performance has not been flawless, his overall standing ahead of the playoff finale at East Lake remains secure.
Mixed Results Mark Second Round at FedEx St. Jude
On a hot Friday in Memphis, Scheffler produced a 4-under 66, finishing the day at seven under par, six strokes behind leader Tommy Fleetwood. While multiple birdies highlighted his round, inconsistency haunted him with four bogeys amid the challenging conditions. One notable error occurred on the par-4 10th hole, where Scheffler’s approach landed in the right greenside bunker and his recovery shot sailed past the pin into the fringe. After a moment of visible frustration, including slamming his wedge into the sand, he settled for a two-putt bogey.
Frustration Mounts During Back Nine Challenges
Scheffler showed resilience by bouncing back with birdies on the par-3 11th as well as holes 13 and 14. However, the closing stretch proved rocky, with a sequence of bogey, birdie, and bogey from the 15th through 17th holes. The par-4 17th in particular triggered a burst of anger when a misdirected tee shot forced him to drop his driver and nearly kick it in irritation. Struggling with poor lies in the rough around the green, his frustration peaked as he exclaimed,
Can I get one lie that’s just not the worst lie ever? Just one! Just one!
—Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1 Golfer
As he moved away from this challenging spot, his visible disappointment echoed a similar episode last year during the BMW Championship in Colorado, where he experienced an emotional lapse amid playoff pressure.
Current Outlook and What Lies Ahead for Scheffler
Scheffler, a two-time major champion this season and the reigning FedExCup champion, closed his round by bogeying the 17th and parring the 18th. Despite moments of visible tension and imperfect shots, his firm hold on the FedExCup points list underscores his status as a top contender for the season-ending prize. As the playoffs progress, maintaining composure and consistency will be crucial for Scheffler as he aims to defend his title at East Lake.