FedEx St Jude Championship: Rory McIlroy misses chance while JJ Spaun narrows ahead | Golf News

Rory McIlroy’s 69th round wasn’t enough for him to make it past the FedEx St Jude Championship; Scottie Scheffler, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth were also among the players eliminated in Memphis

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Highlights of day two of the FedEx St. Jude from TPC Southwind in Memphis

Rory McIlroy was one of the players to miss a chance after the second round of the FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis when JJ Spaun took the lead with a shot.

The world number 3 from Northern Ireland, a two-time tournament champion, hit 69 to finish under either – not enough to continue the contention after the opening 70 games.

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler also missed a chance in the second round of 68 leaving him bottom with McIlroy and Jason Day, while Jordan Spieth (144) and Justin Rose of England (146) were also eliminated.

Spaun scored three under 67 to take a one-hit lead against Troy Merritt, who hit a second straight 65, and Austria’s Sepp Straka (66).

“I’ll try to keep doing what I’ve been doing for the past two days, and hopefully it will pay off,” said the 31-year-old, who shared the lead in the first round with Si Woo Kim. Korean.

“I’ve done some good things over the past few weeks and especially this week, I’m really enjoying my swing and just believing in it.

“The hitter is also active, so it’s a great equalizer if things don’t go your way from tee to green.”

Merritt’s eagle on the 16th hole par-5, along with six birdies, helped put him in second place in his first round of 65.

JJ Spaun holds the one-shot advantage in the third round

“Yesterday looked like a 65,” he said. “I had to work a little harder today and do a few more messy shots. I got stuck in some bunkers and had to get out a few more times.

Straka hit 66, finishing the round strong with four birdies in the final five, while Denny McCarthy was alone in fourth, two returns after 65, including an eagle. at par-four Friday.

Brian Harman (66), Ryan Palmer (67), Tony Finau (68) and Cameron Smith (65) all finished fifth at eighth.

Watch the FedExCup Playoffs – live on Sky Sports. Coverage continues at the FedEx St Jude Championship on Friday from 1pm and 7pm on Sky Sports Golf.

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