Image Source: ESPN
Sam Burns delivered the biggest charge of the day Saturday, firing a spectacular 8-under 62 to move within two shots of Scottie Scheffler at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. Burns’ remarkable round put him firmly in contention heading into a high-pressure final day at TPC Southwind.
Burns reached 11-under 199 after three rounds and will play in the final group alongside Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked player. Sungjae Im also sits at 11 under after carding a 67, creating a three-player battle at the top of the leaderboard.
Sam Burns Ignites Explosive Chase With a 62
The difference between Burns’ first two rounds and his third was dramatic. After making steady progress earlier in the tournament, the 29-year-old produced the low round that transformed the complexion of the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
His 62 brought him back into the tournament after Scheffler opened a significant gap. Burns’ performance was particularly important because he entered Sunday still searching for his first victory of the 2026 season. Despite several strong finishes, including close calls in the U.S. Open and British Open, he has not yet lifted a trophy this year.
That makes the final round especially meaningful. Burns is not simply chasing a title; he is trying to turn a season of near misses into a defining breakthrough. To do so, he must overcome Scheffler, who has been one of the most consistent players in professional golf.
A Unique Final Pairing With Scottie Scheffler
The final group carries an unusual personal storyline. Burns and Scheffler are close friends, and Sunday will be the first time they have been paired together in the final group of a tournament.
“It’s always a little weird just because I want him to have success so much and I think he wants the same for me,” Scheffler said, according to ESPN. “Tomorrow we’ll go out there and play our game and see where things finish up at the end of the day.”
Burns acknowledged the challenge ahead, recognizing that Scheffler is unlikely to surrender the lead without a fight. The two have competed against each other before, including a playoff at Colonial in 2022, when Burns defeated Scheffler with a long birdie putt.
“Scottie is obviously playing great, as he always does. He’s not going to lay down,” Burns said. “He’s going to play great tomorrow. So 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 Playoff Pressure Raises the Stakes
The tournament matters beyond the trophy. The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the opening event of the PGA Tour playoffs, and the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings advance to next week’s BMW Championship.
The top 50 also secure invitations to all of next year’s $20 million signature events, adding another layer of urgency for players near the cutoff. While Burns’ exact position was not the central focus of Saturday’s report, the playoff consequences were visible throughout the leaderboard.
- Scottie Scheffler leads at 13-under 197.
- Sam Burns and Sungjae Im are tied at 11-under 199.
- Tommy Fleetwood and Jake Knapp are five shots behind Scheffler.
- The top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings advance to the BMW Championship.
Jordan Spieth, who began the week at No. 54, slipped from contention for the playoff cutoff after shooting 72. Brian Harman also faced pressure, entering the event at No. 65 and needing a strong finish to advance.
Heat, Momentum and a Dramatic Sunday Ahead
Saturday’s conditions made Burns’ low score even more impressive. The heat index climbed above 100 degrees, and players used towels soaked in ice water to manage the extreme weather on the course.
Scheffler also battled through difficult conditions and a shaky start. He hit only one green in regulation through his opening five holes before recovering for a 2-under 68. He made important par saves, including a 12-foot putt on the 15th hole, and added birdies on the back nine to protect his advantage.
Burns now faces the clearest challenge of the tournament: produce another excellent round while matching the world’s best player under intense playoff pressure. A fast start could immediately change the leaderboard, but Scheffler’s two-shot cushion gives him valuable room for error.
The final group promises a compelling mix of friendship, rivalry and high-level shot-making. Burns has already supplied the weekend’s explosive momentum. On Sunday, he will need one more outstanding performance to claim the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sam Burns shoot in the third round?
Sam Burns shot an 8-under 62 in the third round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, moving to 11-under 199 overall.
How far behind Scottie Scheffler is Sam Burns?
Burns is two shots behind Scheffler. Scheffler is 13 under after a third-round 68, while Burns is 11 under.
Who is playing with Sam Burns in the final group?
Burns will play alongside Scottie Scheffler in the final group. Sungjae Im is also tied with Burns at 11 under.
Why is the FedEx St. Jude Championship important?
The event is the opening tournament of the FedEx Cup playoffs. The top 50 players advance to the BMW Championship and earn access to next year’s signature events.
