Hideki Matsuyama and Denny McCarthy both showcased exceptional putting skills on Friday, resulting in them sharing the lead going into the FedEx St. Jude Championship weekend.
Matsuyama overcame a rocky start, including a missed birdie putt and a tee shot into the water, to finish with a 6-under 64.
McCarthy, known for his smooth putting stroke, made three birdie putts from long distances to card a 63.
Both players are tied at 11-under 129, with Sam Burns trailing by one shot after shooting a 63 on the front nine.
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Scottie Scheffler finished strong with three consecutive birdies for a 65, putting him two shots behind the leaders.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the first PGA Tour postseason event, with quadrupled points and the top 50 players advancing to the BMW Championship next week.
Players like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy faced challenges in the scorching heat, with Spieth contemplating wrist surgery in the offseason.
McCarthy and Justin Rose are aiming for top finishes to secure their spots in the Tour Championship and improve their standings.
Despite a torn labrum, McCarthy is optimistic about his performance and excited for the weekend challenge.
Matsuyama remains focused on his game despite personal setbacks, including a recent bag theft in London.
Thunderstorms are expected on Saturday, with players teeing off in groups of three to accommodate the weather conditions.
Scheffler and Xander Schauffele attracted attention from the crowd, with Scheffler making a strong finish despite challenging circumstances.
Overall, the leaderboard is filled with talented players vying for top positions and valuable points in the FedEx Cup standings.
