Fleetwood Shines in Memphis as Bad Weather Stops Play

Fleetwood Holds Four-Shot Lead Before Storms Halt Second Round

Tommy Fleetwood’s quest for a maiden PGA Tour victory is alive and well — and right now, it’s looking pretty convincing. The 34-year-old Englishman produced yet another sparkling display at the St Jude Championship in Memphis, following his opening-round 63 with a composed six-under 64 to stretch his lead to four shots.

It might have been an even more dominant performance had the skies not turned ominous late on Friday. Severe weather rolled into TPC Southwind, lightning flashed on the horizon, and officials had no choice but to suspend play, leaving 21 players — including England’s Justin Rose — unable to finish their rounds.

At the time of the stoppage, Fleetwood sat comfortably on 13 under, his scorecard featuring seven birdies and just one blemish — a bogey at the 18th that did little to dent his momentum.

“It hasn’t happened for me yet on the PGA Tour,” Fleetwood reflected afterwards, a nod to his six previous runner-up finishes in the United States. “But I’d rather be up there and not quite get it done than not be in contention at all. Who knows? Maybe this weekend is the weekend. We’ll see.”

A Masterclass in Consistency

Fleetwood’s game has always been built on rhythm, and over the first two days in Memphis, that rhythm has been flawless. His opening 63 set the tone — precise iron play, deft touch around the greens, and a putter that seemed laser-guided. On Friday, he simply picked up where he left off.

Birdies at the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th holes provided early momentum, and though he momentarily stalled at the turn, another scoring burst on the back nine cemented his position at the top of the leaderboard. Even the closing bogey at 18 was more a product of aggression than error, a sign he’s not content to simply coast.

Fleetwood’s 13-under total puts him four clear of a chasing pack led by Collin Morikawa and Akshay Bhatia, both on nine under. Morikawa, a two-time major champion, carded a superb 65 to keep himself within striking distance, while Bhatia matched that total with a solid round of his own.

Bad Weather Stops Play — But the Drama Builds

St Jude Championship: Tommy Fleetwood opens up lead before bad weather stops play

The decision to halt play came as lightning threats loomed over TPC Southwind, a reminder that summer golf in the American South can turn volatile in an instant. Justin Rose, one of Fleetwood’s closest pursuers at the time, was on the 17th tee when the horn sounded. He will resume on Saturday morning knowing that two holes could significantly alter his position — and perhaps Fleetwood’s margin.

For Fleetwood, the delay might be a blessing in disguise. With the FedExCup Playoffs at stake, and pressure mounting for that elusive PGA Tour breakthrough, an overnight pause offers him the chance to reset, regroup, and prepare for a potentially decisive weekend.

Close Calls and Near Misses

Fleetwood’s PGA Tour career has been defined by near-misses. Six runner-up finishes, including heartbreak at the 2023 Travelers Championship where he fell just one shot short, have left fans and pundits wondering when the dam will finally break.

“It’s exactly where you want to be,” he said of leading into the weekend. “Keep putting yourself in the mix and keep testing yourself — that’s the only way.”

His consistency in big events is unquestionable. He’s a Ryder Cup hero for Europe, a regular contender in majors, and one of the most admired ball-strikers in the game. Yet, in America, that first win remains elusive — a statistic he is clearly eager to change in Memphis.

The Chase Pack

Morikawa, who already has a PGA Championship and an Open Championship to his name, looks poised to push Fleetwood all the way. His 65 on Friday showcased the control and precision that have made him one of the most feared iron players on tour.

Bhatia, still early in his professional journey, showed remarkable poise to keep pace with his more decorated peers. At nine under, he’s in prime position to make a weekend move.

Behind them, world number one Scottie Scheffler sits at seven under after a tidy 66, his trademark steadiness keeping him firmly in contention. England’s Justin Rose will be eager to complete his round and apply pressure, while Harry Hall (-4) and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre (-3) will need something special to close the gap.

Further back, Matt Fitzpatrick endured a frustrating day, his 71 marred by five bogeys. The 2022 U.S. Open champion will start the weekend at two under, knowing he’ll require a major surge to trouble the leaders.

Weathering the Weekend

The second round is set to resume on Saturday at 13:30 BST, with the cut looming and the weather forecast still carrying a hint of uncertainty. For Fleetwood, the equation is straightforward: maintain the form that’s carried him this far, block out the noise, and seize the moment.

Memphis has a history of producing dramatic finishes — sudden surges, late collapses, and champions emerging from nowhere. Fleetwood will know that a four-shot lead in the FedExCup Playoffs is both a gift and a burden. It offers breathing room, but it also paints a target on his back.

Still, if the past two days are any indication, he’s embracing the chase rather than fearing it. And if the storms clear and his putter stays hot, Memphis might just be the place where Tommy Fleetwood’s long wait for a PGA Tour victory finally ends.