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FedEx St. Jude leader Scottie Scheffler survived a difficult start Saturday and still created separation at the top of the leaderboard. His 2-under 68 at TPC Southwind left him at 13-under 197, giving him a two-shot advantage heading into a high-stakes final round in Memphis, Tennessee.
Scheffler will play Sunday in the final group alongside Sam Burns, one of his closest friends in professional golf. Burns delivered the round of the day, firing a 62 to move into contention at 11-under 199. Sungjae Im also sits at 11 under after carding a 67.
FedEx St. Jude Leader Scheffler Builds Critical Cushion
The world No. 1 did not have an easy path to the lead. Scheffler hit only one green in regulation through his opening five holes and bogeyed the sixth after missing the green. However, he steadied himself with a birdie at the par-3 eighth and followed with consecutive birdies early on the back nine.
He also produced an important par save from roughly 12 feet on the 15th hole. Those key putts helped preserve momentum during a round played in punishing conditions, with the heat index climbing above 100 degrees.
“Any time you’re holing those 10- to 15-footers, it’s really nice to keep the round going,” Scheffler said, according to ESPN. “I holed a few of those today. It was definitely important to keep the momentum in the round.”
Explosive Final Group Features Close Friends
Sunday’s final pairing brings an unusual dynamic. Scheffler and Burns have competed against each other many times, but this will be the first time they share a final group at a tournament of this significance.
Both players acknowledged that the friendship could make the moment feel unusual. Scheffler said it would be “fun” to play with Burns, although it would also be “a bit weird” because each wants the other to succeed.
Burns, who has endured close calls at both the U.S. Open and British Open this season, is still searching for his first victory of 2026. He knows catching Scheffler will require an exceptional performance.
“Scottie is obviously playing great, as he always does. He’s not going to lay down,” Burns said. “You’re going to have to go out there and put a really good round together and see if you can catch him.”
FedEx Cup Pressure Intensifies Across the Leaderboard
The championship is important well beyond the battle for the trophy. Only the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings advance to next week’s BMW Championship, while those players are also guaranteed spots in all of next year’s $20 million signature events.
Jordan Spieth entered Saturday inside the projected top 50 but slipped after shooting a 72. He did not make his first birdie until the 11th hole and dropped from a tie for fifth to a tie for 19th. Spieth began the week ranked No. 54 and is projected to remain outside the qualifying line.
Brian Harman, who started the tournament at No. 65, also faces a tense Sunday. He shot 69 and was tied for sixth, putting himself within reach of the positions needed to advance. His 2023 British Open victory guarantees him entry into next year’s majors, but the signature events remain a major objective.
“That signature series, it’s where you want to be,” Harman said. “It’s where the best golf is played. I’d love to have a chance.”
Im Makes a Major Move Toward the Top 50
Im is the only player near the top of the leaderboard currently projected to move into the top 50. He started the week at No. 53 and remained composed while playing alongside Scheffler during Saturday’s final group.
“I just want to focus on each shot,” Im said. “Every shot matters.”
Tommy Fleetwood and Jake Knapp are tied for fourth at 8-under, five shots behind Scheffler. Keith Mitchell and Maverick McNealy were also watching the standings closely, with Mitchell projected around No. 49 and McNealy near No. 50. The final round will determine who advances and who narrowly misses out.
What to Watch in Sunday’s Final Round
- Scheffler’s response: The leader is seeking his second victory of 2026 after a series of runner-up finishes and other top-four results.
- Burns’ challenge: A 62 has placed him within striking distance, but he must overcome a two-shot deficit against the world’s top-ranked player.
- Im’s opportunity: A strong finish could lift him into the coveted FedEx Cup top 50.
- Playoff consequences: Spieth, Harman, Mitchell and McNealy face significant ranking pressure in the closing round.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship now has a compelling split storyline: Scheffler is chasing another title, while several players are fighting for their postseason futures. With extreme heat, a talented final group and narrow FedEx Cup margins, Sunday promises a dramatic finish at TPC Southwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the FedEx St. Jude Championship?
Scottie Scheffler leads at 13-under 197 after shooting a 2-under 68 in the third round.
Who is paired with Scottie Scheffler in the final group?
Scheffler will play alongside Sam Burns, who is two shots behind after recording a 62.
Where does Sungjae Im stand?
Sungjae Im is tied with Burns at 11 under after shooting a 67 and remains in contention for the championship.
Why is the top 50 so important?
The top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings advance to the BMW Championship and secure eligibility for next year’s signature events.
