MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hideki Matsuyama took the lead on Saturday with a 6-under 64, putting him five shots ahead of Nick Dunlap in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the start of the postseason where the focus shifted towards players trying to prolong their season.
Matsuyama bounced back from an early bogey by hitting a 3-wood over the water to 15 feet and sinking the eagle putt. He continued to make birdies throughout the day in hot weather conditions, distancing himself from the competition.
Denny McCarthy, who was tied for the lead after the first two rounds with Matsuyama, struggled with four bogeys before making his first birdie. Sam Burns had an erratic round with only five pars and a broken driver, shooting 70 and falling back. Scottie Scheffler also had issues with chips and was seven shots behind after posting a 69.
Matsuyama was at 17-under 193, positioning himself to win his first FedEx Cup playoff event.
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The focus of this postseason opener was on advancing to the next stage. The top 50 players will move on to the BMW Championship next week in Denver, ensuring their participation in all the $20 million signature events next year.
Viktor Hovland made progress towards that goal with a 66, placing him in third place, six shots behind Matsuyama. Jordan Spieth’s season effectively ended with two double bogeys in his round of 74, landing him in 69th place in a 70-man field.
Will Zalatoris, ranked No. 49 at the start of the postseason, shot 67 on Saturday and was tied for sixth, likely securing his place inside the top 50.
Players on the bubble to advance include Justin Rose and Adam Scott. Rose is currently No. 55 in the FedEx Cup standings and is tied for ninth after three rounds at TPC Southwind. Scott, at No. 46, shot 68 and is projected to be inside the top 50 going into the final day.
