Scottie Scheffler shoots 61 to take 3-shot lead in Memphis in playoff opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler birdied the first five holes and shot a 9-under 61 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

“Really just a dream start,” Scheffler said. “Probably one of the best starts I’ve had on tour, to be honest with you. I couldn’t tell you a time where I’ve been lower early in the round.”

The top-ranked Scheffler had 11 birdies and two bogeys in 100-degree heat at TPC Southwind in the playoff opener. He had an 11-under 129 total.

“The tournament is halfway over,” Scheffler said. “I had two good rounds to start and hopefully continue that over the weekend.”

Scheffler tied the tournament course record.

“I wouldn’t say golf’s ever easy,” Scheffler. “I did some good things out there. I hit some iron shots in there close and was able to hole a few putts as well.”

He has played the TPC Southwind more times (seven) without winning than any other course on the PGA Tour.

Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im were tied for second at 8 under. Hovland had a 64, and Im shot his second 66.

“It was really nice, really solid,” Hovland said. “Hit a lot of fairways, and I think that’s a big deal for my game, but also especially at this golf course. I think it’s really difficult to score if you’re missing fairways.”

Ludvig Aberg was 7 under after a 65.

Jordan Spieth shot 69 to get to 6 under. He was part of a four-way tie for the first-round lead. Spieth is outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup who advance to the BMW Championship next week.

Scheffler entered the week with a 794-point lead over Matt Fitzpatrick in the FedExCup standings. Fitzpatrick was 3 under after a 67.

So much emphasis is on getting into the top 50 because that locks up all the $20 million signature events for next season.

Rory McIlroy played alongside Scheffler the first two days. He followed an opening 74 with a 70, leaving him tied for 60th at 4 over.

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Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits around a tree on the seventh fairway during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Ludvig Aberg, of Sweden, after putting in on the 18th hole during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler, left, and Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, shake hands after finishing the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler hits on the ninth hole during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Scottie Scheffler misses a birdie try on the 18th hole during the second round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

TORONTO (AP) — Six-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was evaluated for a possible concussion after leaving the Toronto Blue Jays' 3-1 victory over the Yankees on Friday night following a collision with New York rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. on a chaotic play at third base.

With Guerrero at first and Nathan Lukes at second in the sixth inning and the Blue Jays trailing 1-0, George Springer hit a bouncer to third baseman Ryan McMahon, who stepped on the bag to force out Lukes for the second out.

McMahon threw to first in a bid to retire Springer, but New York first baseman Luis García Jr. couldn’t scoop the throw, losing his glove in the process. Guerrero broke for third and García threw toward Lombard, who was trying to get to the bag. The throw got away as Lombard tried to leap over the sliding Guerrero, and his left knee and thigh struck Guerrero’s head.

Guerrero’s helmet was dislodged. He got up and ran home to score the tying run, but looked dazed after crossing the plate.

Manager John Schneider said Guerrero had “a little bit of a headache” after the collision.

“Kind of precautionary right now,” Schneider said of the decision to remove Guerrero. “We'll see how he is tomorrow.”

Charles McAdoo took over at first base in the top of the seventh.

Guerrero is batting .263 with seven homers and 46 RBIs.

McMahon and García were both charged with throwing errors.

“Just didn't work out, man,” McMahon said of the play. “Obviously led to a couple of runs for them and that hurts.”

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Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) grimaces as he crosses the plate after scoring following a throwing error by New York Yankees first baseman Luis García Jr. (26) during the first inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)