Rory McIlroy Battles Rust at FedEx St. Jude Championship as Scheffler Dominates in Memphis
Rory McIlroy is battling the effects of a lengthy competitive break at the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, having opened with a four-over-par 74 before showing signs of improvement in subsequent rounds, while world number one Scottie Scheffler has taken command of the tournament with a record-tying 61 in the second round that has left the field chasing shadows.
Background
McIlroy's decision to compete at the FedEx St. Jude Championship was itself a late change of plan. The Holywood man had initially intended to skip the first FedExCup playoff event — as he did in 2025 — and join the tour at the BMW Championship in St. Louis. However, conversations with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp and a desire to avoid a four-week competitive break between The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the second playoff event persuaded him to change course.
The decision was understandable in theory, but the reality of returning to competition after a significant break is always challenging, even for a player of McIlroy's calibre. The FedEx St. Jude Championship is one of the most demanding events on the PGA Tour calendar, played in the intense August heat of Memphis on a course that rewards precision and patience. Coming in without competitive sharpness is a significant disadvantage, and McIlroy's opening 74 — which included a double bogey on the 18th after finding the water — reflected the rust that had accumulated during his break.
McIlroy entered the tournament ranked 12th in the FedExCup standings, a position that guarantees his advancement to the BMW Championship regardless of his performance in Memphis. The top 50 players in the standings after the St. Jude Championship advance to the BMW, and McIlroy's cushion is comfortable enough that he can afford to use this week primarily as a competitive warm-up for the more important events to come.
Key Developments
After the difficult opening round, McIlroy showed signs of improvement in the second and third rounds, with a notable birdie on the par-4 10th hole in the third round — where a 169-yard approach shot set up a 15-foot putt — suggesting that his ball-striking is returning to its best. His overall position in the tournament remains well off the pace set by Scheffler, who leads at 13-under par after three rounds, two shots clear of Sam Burns and Sungjae Im.
Scheffler's second-round 61 was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring nine birdies and no bogeys on a course that typically demands a more conservative approach. The world number one has been in imperious form throughout the 2026 season, winning five times on the PGA Tour and cementing his status as the most dominant player in the game. His performance in Memphis has further strengthened his position as the overwhelming favourite for the FedExCup title.
For McIlroy, the priority now is to use the remaining holes in Memphis to sharpen his game ahead of the BMW Championship in St. Louis, where the field will be reduced to the top 50 and the competition will be significantly more intense. He has spoken about the importance of finding his rhythm before the Tour Championship in Atlanta, which he has identified as his primary target for the remainder of the season.
Why It Matters
McIlroy's relationship with the FedExCup playoffs has been a source of frustration throughout his career. Despite his status as one of the game's greatest players, he has never won the FedExCup, and his record in the playoff events — particularly the Tour Championship — has been inconsistent. The 2026 playoffs represent another opportunity to address that gap in his otherwise remarkable CV, and his decision to compete in Memphis, despite the rust, suggests a determination to arrive at the Tour Championship in the best possible competitive shape.
The broader context of McIlroy's season is also relevant. He won The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July — his fifth major title — and has spoken about the sense of liberation that came with that victory. Whether that liberation translates into a more relaxed and effective approach to the FedExCup playoffs remains to be seen, but the signs from his practice sessions and his demeanour around the course in Memphis have been positive.
Local Impact
In Holywood, County Down, where McIlroy grew up and where his family still lives, the interest in his FedExCup campaign is intense. The local golf club, Royal Holywood, has a dedicated following of members who track his every round, and the club's professional has noted a significant increase in junior membership applications in the weeks since McIlroy's Open victory. Golf Ireland has reported a broader surge in participation across Northern Ireland, with waiting lists at several clubs in the greater Belfast area for the first time in years.
What's Next
The FedEx St. Jude Championship concludes on Sunday, with Scheffler the strong favourite to claim the title. McIlroy will then travel to St. Louis for the BMW Championship, which begins on 21 August. The Tour Championship in Atlanta, the season-ending event that determines the FedExCup champion, takes place from 28 August to 31 August. McIlroy has confirmed that he will compete in all three remaining playoff events.
