MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hideki Matsuyama and Denny McCarthy combined to make nearly 300 feet of putts on Friday, resulting in them sharing the lead heading into the hot weekend of the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Matsuyama overcame a shaky start, including a missed 4-foot birdie putt on No. 2 and a tee shot into the water on the par-3 fourth hole. He bounced back with two long birdie putts and a 3-wood shot to about 12 feet on the par-5 16th for an easier birdie. He finished with a 6-under 64.
McCarthy, known for his smooth putting stroke, took advantage of the smooth greens of TPC Southwind. He sank three birdie putts from 25 feet or longer to offset two bogeys in his round of 63.
Both players were at 11-under 129, one shot ahead of another great putter, Sam Burns, who shot a 29 on the front nine before cooling off slightly. Burns finished with a 63.
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Scottie Scheffler picked up momentum late with three consecutive birdies for a 65, putting him two strokes behind.
The first PGA Tour postseason event is the most significant. The points are quadrupled, and the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup advance to the BMW Championship next week, ensuring their participation in all the $20 million signature events next year.
Jordan Spieth faced challenges as he approached the end of his year, posting a 75 with a pair of double bogeys on the par 3s. Spieth mentioned the possibility of wrist surgery in the off-season as he looks to finish the year on a positive note.
Rory McIlroy, the No. 3 seed in the postseason, struggled on a hot day with a heat index of 110 degrees. He played the two par 5s in 3 over and shot a 73 to tie for 58th.
McCarthy, currently ranked No. 45, is aiming to secure a place in the top five standings with a potential victory at the Tour Championship. Justin Rose, sitting outside the top 55, is also looking to improve his standing with a strong performance.
Despite dealing with a torn labrum, McCarthy is pushing through and looking forward to the challenge ahead over the weekend.
Matsuyama remained positive about his game despite facing challenges, including having his bag stolen in London. He is currently tied for the lead in Memphis.
Players will tee off in groups of three on both sides on Saturday, as thunderstorms are expected in the morning.
Scheffler and Xander Schauffele attracted attention from the crowd, combining three of the four majors and $44 million in earnings on the PGA Tour this year.
