MEMPHIS, Tenn. — J.J. SpaunHe hopes that he is just the beginning of his journey to the FedEx Cup final. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroyAnd Jordan SpiethYoull have to wait another week.
As for Jason DayHis season is over.
Spaun made a late birdie for a 67 to take a one shot lead Friday in FedEx St. Jude Championship. The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the opening event of the PGA Tour postseason and does not have three of its biggest stars for this weekend at the TPC Southwind.
Scheffler, the Masters champion. Scheffler, the Masters champion and the No. 1 player for five months, never fully recovered from what he could only call an out-of body experience with the first round of his putting. He missed birdie opportunities on two of the three last holes, and his 68 was just one shot away from making the weekend.
Scheffler stated, Obviously, it is really frustrating coming into playoffs. I was practicing hard at home and playing really well. I showed up to the playoffs and had the worst day of putting ever. Sometimes golf can smack you in the face.
McIlroy was able to go from rough to gallery, fringe to bogey on the last hole to score a 69. It was his second missed cut of this year. Spieths hopes to play the weekend came to an abrupt halt when he hit his tee into the water on the par-314th, which led to a score of 74.
They get to play next week at the BMW Championship. They are high enough on the standings not too lose too much sleep.
Day opened with a 65, and Day was optimistic of a big finish to advance to the top 70 who reached the next playoff event. The former world No. 1 was defeated. The former world No. 1 dropped five shots in the last eight holes, shot 72 and missed the cut by one shot.
Day was one 31 players who began outside the top 70 FedEx Cup players and didnt make it to the cut. Their seasons are over.
Rickie Fowler, who came in as No. 125, who was tied for No. He was tied for 33rd and was still around for two days, but he needed to contend to advance.
Spaun was at 11-under, 129 and only looking ahead.
He was one shot ahead Sepp Straka, who birdied the last three holes to earn a 66. Troy MerrittHe had a 65. Merritt started at No. Merritt started at No. 64 in the standings, so this was exactly what he needed to ensure he would continue his journey.
Spaun was proud of his 67 on Friday, despite the clear skies, hot sun, and more wind. Spaun said that he believes his game is improving after a lull after his Valero Texas Open title as PGA Tour player in April.
Its hard to be consistent good at the highest levels. Tiger is one example of such a man. [Woods]McIlroy, Spaun and all those other guys. Spaun stated, Its amazing how good they are for such a long time. I did it for a few month and then I kind of fell off, but now I am kinda making my way back.
Straka is aware of the feeling. He hadnt been to the weekend since the Memorial in June. Then he opened with rounds 64-66.
Hadn’t played great coming in to this week. Straka stated that he missed a lot of cuts coming in. In Strakas case, six in a row would be considered a bunch. But thats golf. Youll have the ebbs & flows and you can just go with them.
He was on his way, especially at end, when he made three straight birdies to finish at 10 under.
Tony FinauAfter two consecutive wins, he recorded his 11th consecutive round of 68 or less since the final round in the British Open. His Friday 68 left him three behind.
Spaun stated that he didnt feel like he had much lead — one shot, not counting 15 players within four strokes of Spaun and 36 holes left to play.
He said it playfully, It’s anyone’s weekend and it’s going to be mine.
For many players, the first part was getting to the weekend. Two players seized the opportunity and were Ryan PalmerAnd Lucas Glover.
Palmer is No. 110 in the FedEx Cup. Palmer shot 67 to join Finau, British Open champion Cam Smith (65), and others at 8-under132.
Glover is No. 121. His 68 was four shots behind the lead, despite a bogey on the final hole.