Scottie Scheffler shoots 61 to take three-shot lead in FedEx St. Jude Championship, FedExCup Playoffs 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.

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.

Scheffler tied the tournament course record. He has played 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 of the week.

Ludvig Åberg was 7 under after a 65.

Jordan Spieth shot 69 to get to 6 under. He was part of a five-way tie for the first-round lead. Spieth is outside the top 50 in the FedExCup who advance to the BMW Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, next week. He entered 54th.

Scheffler came into 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.