Sungjae Im takes commanding four-shot lead at FedEx St. Jude Championship round 2

Sungjae Im Dominates FedEx St. Jude Championship with Commanding Four-Shot Lead at TPC Southwind

Sungjae Im surged to the forefront at the 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship, firing an electrifying 5-under 30 on the front nine Friday to reach 9-under par and establish a commanding four-shot advantage over the pursuing field. The 28-year-old South Korean, a two-time PGA Tour winner, is making a significant statement after a five-year trophy drought at the Memphis event held at the challenging TPC Southwind course.

All 69 competitors remain in contention this week, as the tournament features no cut, guaranteeing each player a paycheck heading into the weekend. However, the stakes remain high beyond the trophy chase: only the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup points standings after this event will qualify for the BMW Championship, the critical second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

The Memphis heat proved relentless, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 100 degrees and a heat index exceeding 110. Players and fans alike faced brutal conditions at the 7,288-yard, par-70 private course designed by Ron Prichard, which has hosted PGA Tour events since 1989.

Following Im’s scintillating front nine, the leaderboard is tightly contested behind him, with Scottie Scheffler leading the betting odds at +600, followed by Tommy Fleetwood (+900), Hideki Matsuyama (+1100), Michael Thorbjornsen (+1200), and both Sam Burns and Xander Schauffele tied at +1400 according to BetMGM. These odds reflect the high-caliber field vying for a coveted spot in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

The second round tee times are underway, with coverage available through PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, ESPN from 9 to 11 a.m. ET, and Golf Channel from 2 to 6 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream the Golf Channel broadcast free on Fubo TV.

Memphis faces another punishing hot day Saturday with forecasts predicting temperatures again near 101 degrees and climbing to 103 on Sunday, intensifying the physical challenge for the players as the championship progresses.

The FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind continues to serve as a pivotal battleground for players intent on advancing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, where every stroke counts in the pursuit of glory and a pathway to the season’s defining events.