Scheffler Takes Two-Shot Lead Over Best Friend Burns Into Final Round in Memphis
Scottie Scheffler will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind, but the spotlight on Sunday isn't just about his pursuit of a second victory in 2026. It's about the man chasing him: Sam Burns, his close friend and former best man at his wedding.
Scheffler carded a 2-under 68 on Saturday to reach 13-under par, while Burns fired a bogey-free 8-under 62 — his lowest career round in 25 trips around TPC Southwind — to climb to 11-under and tie Sungjae Im for second. The two Americans will be paired together in the final group on Sunday, adding a deeply personal layer to an already high-stakes playoff opener.
"It's always a little weird just because I want him to have success so much and I think he wants the same for me," Scheffler said after his round. "Tomorrow, we'll go out there, play our game, and see where things finish up at the end of the day."
Burns, meanwhile, was direct when asked about facing the world No. 1. "He's not going to lay down," Burns said. "He's going to play great tomorrow. So you're going to have to go out there and put a really good round together and see if you can catch him."
A Friendship Tested by Competition
Scheffler and Burns have known each other for years, and their bond goes beyond the fairways. Burns served as Scheffler's best man, and their families are close. They've been paired together 16 times across nine tournaments, but Sunday marks the first time they'll go head-to-head for a title in the final group.
Burns has downplayed the emotional side, focusing instead on the golf. "I think I'm pretty familiar with the grass type," he said, referencing the Bermuda greens he grew up on. "You get some really tricky holes and some quirky tee shots here and there. It's a really good golf course, and you have to be in control of your ball."
His third-round 62 was a testament to that control. After struggling to find fairways on Friday, Burns adjusted his approach and didn't drop a shot all day. He now has a realistic chance to overtake a player who has dominated the sport like no one since Tiger Woods.
But Scheffler showed his champion's resilience on Saturday, shaking off a poor start to play his final 10 holes in 3-under. "He's playing great, as he always does," Burns conceded.
Off-Course Moves: Burns Lands iCapital Deal
While the on-course drama takes center stage, Burns has also been making news off the course. On August 13, he announced a new global brand ambassador deal with iCapital, a financial technology firm. The company's logo debuted on his chest at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and Burns described the partnership on X as an opportunity to "build lasting relationships" with clients and partners.
Burns joins fellow PGA Tour players Cameron Young and Will Zalatoris in iCapital's ambassador group, which also includes athletes from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard program. The deal adds to an already robust commercial portfolio that includes Callaway, Peter Millar, PAYNTR, Mastercard, NetJets, Topgolf, and ADP.
"Sam represents discipline, high performance, and continuous improvement," iCapital said in its announcement. For Burns, the deal is another sign of his rising status in the golf world, coming off a season that included a major championship victory and a steady climb in the world rankings.
What's at Stake: FedExCup Playoffs and Legacy
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs, and the stakes are enormous. A win in Memphis would not only secure a spot in the BMW Championship but also position the victor for a run at the $25 million FedExCup bonus. For Burns, a comeback victory over the world's best player would be the defining moment of his career. For Scheffler, it would extend a remarkable 2026 that has already seen him capture a major and reassert his place atop the game.
But beyond the trophy, the matchup highlights a growing trend: the sport's best players are also its closest friends. Scheffler and Burns have practiced together for years, and their families vacation together. Sunday's round will be a test of competitive fire against personal affection.
"It'll be a competition like normal," Scheffler said. "Yeah, it'll be fun being out there with your friend, but it's also a little bit weird at the same time."
This dynamic is reminiscent of other great golf rivalries, like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, but with a modern twist: both players are open about their friendship, and fans are drawn to the authenticity. The final round in Memphis is more than a golf tournament — it's a glimpse into how camaraderie and competition can coexist at the highest level.
As for whether the two would text before the round, Scheffler cracked a rare joke: "I wouldn't say texting is really one of my strong suits, so probably not."
No matter the method, the message is clear: two friends will be battling for one trophy, and the outcome is far from certain. For golf fans, it's the perfect storyline.
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