"Out of this world": Golf world reacts to Scottie Scheffler's 61 at FedEx St. Jude Championship

Aug 16, 2026, 7:34 PM CUT

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America hits a drive at the 15th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 08, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 08 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603080214

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler reminded the golf world why he sits atop the rankings with a stunning 9-under 61 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

After entering the round six strokes behind the leader, Scheffler surged into first place at TPC Southwind and immediately gave fans plenty to talk about.

“It's like you always want to try to get off to a good start,” Scheffler said after his round. “I was able to do that today. Really just a dream start. Probably one of the best starts I've had on TOUR, to be honest with you. I couldn't tell you a time where I've been lower early in the round.”

MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 13: Scottie Scheffler of the United States leans as he watches his tee shot on No. 7 during the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, August 13, 2026, at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 13 PGA, Golf Herren FedEx St. Jude Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260813025

Scheffler’s season has been subpar by his standards. Since winning the American Express in January, he has failed to come out on top despite consistently being in the top-10. However, TPC Southwind gave him the dream start that he wished for.

Scheffler began the day six strokes behind the leader, Sungjae Im. After landing 11 incredible birdies, the 30-year-old concluded the round with a three-stroke lead over the South Korean and Norway's Viktor Hovland.

Scheffler’s only two stutters came at the eighth and 11th holes. He even found the pond on the latter, but still managed to get away with a bogey, as per the PGA Tour's report.

At the halfway stage, Scheffler was at 11-under 129 and, as always, the golf world was blown away by his performance.

The applause rolled in for Scottie Scheffler from fans

Scottie Scheffler’s lacklustre season has brought in debate over the end of his dominance. However, in Memphis, it looked like the World No. 1 was out to put that discussion at bay.

“Out of this world,” wrote an X user on PGA Tour's X post.

The second-best round of the day was a 64, scored by his compatriot Brian Harman and Norway’s Viktor Hovland. The 30-year-old turned around a six-stroke deficit by tying the course record.

“That should shut the 'he’s having an off year' crowd up for a few rounds,” wrote another X user.

Scheffler cruised through TPC Southwind on Friday like it was a piece of cake. The rest of the field could only focus on their own game as the American took the outright lead.

"Can this dude get any better? Incredible showing today!" commented a fan.

It was his putting that made all the difference. The World No. 1 gained 3.874 shots on the field on the greens as he carded 13 one-putts.

“He's just casually painting fairways like it's a Sunday stroll and still dropping 61s. The rest of the field is playing a different game at this point,” commented an X user.

Scheffler's consistency has largely gone unrewarded this season. One win and five runner-up finishes showcase his elevated level of consistency.

"World #1 reminding everyone why he's the best in the world and the most consistent," wrote another fan.

The biggest question now is whether Scheffler can finish the job and claim his second title of the year. After a 61 that left the golf world raving, the World No. 1 has put himself in prime position to do exactly that.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey