FedEx St. Jude Championship Round 3: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide & Course Insights

Alright, so the FedEx St. Jude Championship is heating up. Literally. We’re heading into Saturday, moving day, and TPC Southwind is looking like a furnace. But who cares about sweat when you’re chasing that FedEx Cup glory, right? Scottie Scheffler is sitting pretty, three shots clear after a blistering 61. Dude’s on fire. If you’re trying to catch all the action, or just figure out what the hell is going on, you’ve come to the right place. We’re breaking down exactly how to watch Round 3, who’s in contention, and what makes this Memphis track a beast.

Scheffler’s Dream Start and the Chase Pack

Let’s talk about Scottie. The guy is playing like a man possessed. A 9-under 61 on Friday? That’s not just good, that’s course-record territory. He’s sitting at 11-under, and honestly, he looks untouchable right now. Five birdies in a row to start his round. That’s the kind of golf that makes other guys want to pack it in early. He’s feeling it, and you can tell. His swing feels good, he said. Yeah, no shit, Scottie. When you’re shooting lights out, everything feels good.

But golf isn’t over until the final putt drops, and there are some serious players nipping at his heels. Sungjae Im and Viktor Hovland are tied for second at 8-under. These guys aren’t slouches. Im shot a solid 4-under 66 to stay within striking distance. Hovland, he posted a bogey-free 64. That’s the kind of clean golf you need when you’re trying to chase down a guy like Scheffler. Hovland even mentioned hitting fairways is key here. Smart man. This course doesn’t mess around.

And let’s not forget Ludvig Åberg, sitting alone in fourth at 7-under. He’s young, he’s got game, and he’s not afraid to mix it up. So, while Scheffler has the lead, it’s far from a done deal. We’ve got a serious battle brewing, and Round 3 is where things really get interesting.

TPC Southwind: More Than Just a Hot Box

This place isn’t just a sauna; it’s a proper test of golf. TPC Southwind is known for being tough. It’s got those Bermuda greens that can get slicker than an oil spill, and the fairways can be tight. If you’re not hitting it straight, you’re going to be punching out of the rough or dealing with awkward lies all day. And that’s before we even talk about the water hazards. Plenty of them. One bad swing, and your ball is taking a swim. It’s a course that demands precision, not just power.

Hovland hit the nail on the head. Fairways are crucial. If you can control your ball off the tee, you give yourself a chance to attack the greens. But if you’re spraying it, you’re playing defense from the get-go. And with this heat, you don’t want to be grinding out pars from the trees. You want to be in position to make birdies. The players who can keep it in the short grass and manage their approach shots are the ones who will be in contention come Sunday.

The greens here are also pretty undulating. You can hit a great shot, but if you don’t read the putt correctly, you’re looking at a three-putt. It’s a course that rewards smart play and punishes mistakes. You can’t just bash it around and expect to win. You need strategy, you need control, and you need to handle the pressure. Especially when it’s 100 degrees out there and you’re trying to hold a lead or chase one down.

Navigating the Heat: A Game Within the Game

Let’s be real, the heat in Memphis is no joke. We’re talking scorching. Players are going to be feeling it out there. Five or six hours under that sun? It definitely takes a toll, as Hovland pointed out. You’re not just fighting the course; you’re fighting your own body. Staying hydrated, managing your energy, and keeping your focus when you’re physically drained – that’s a massive part of the game this weekend.

Expect to see guys looking for shade, chugging water like it’s going out of style. We might see more mistakes creep in as the day wears on. A lapse in concentration, a tired swing – that’s all it takes. Players who have prepared for this, who have good routines for dealing with the heat, will have a significant advantage. We might even see some guys struggle more than others. It’s a test of mental and physical fortitude.

And what are they doing to cope? Hovland mentioned a cold plunge. Smart move. Anything to bring that body temperature down. Staying in the air conditioning between shots, avoiding the sun as much as possible. It’s a strategic battle off the course as much as it is on it. You can bet the players who are dialed in on their recovery and preparation are the ones who will be finishing strong.

How to Watch Round 3: Your Essential Viewing Schedule

Alright, the most important part for us couch commanders: how do we watch this thing? You’ve got options, thankfully. Don’t want to miss a single shot? You better have your schedule sorted.

TV Coverage:

• Golf Channel: Kicks off the TV action from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET . This is where you’ll get your early round coverage, likely focusing on some of the earlier groups and maybe some of the guys trying to make a move up the leaderboard.
• CBS: The big guns come out at 3 p.m. ET and run until 6 p.m. ET . This is where you’ll see the main contenders, the leaders, and all the drama as it unfolds. CBS always brings the big-time broadcast feel.

Streaming Coverage:

• PGA Tour Live on ESPN+: This is your best bet for non-stop action. Coverage starts ridiculously early, at 7:45 a.m. ET . Yes, you read that right. If you’re an early riser or just want to watch every single shot from every group, this is it. They also offer featured group and featured hole coverage, so you can really deep-dive into specific players or moments.
• Golf Channel App: Want to watch the Golf Channel broadcast on the go? The app will have a simulcast of their TV coverage. Easy enough.
• Paramount+: If you’re sticking with the CBS broadcast but prefer streaming, Paramount+ will have you covered. It’s a simulcast of the CBS feed.
• ESPN+ “Marquee Group: Quiet Please”: This is a cool one if you don’t want the announcers yammering in your ear. It’s a live stream of a featured group with no commentary. Just the sounds of the game. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan who wants to watch every single swing or someone who just wants to catch the highlights of the leaders, you’ve got your bases covered. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs, and get ready for some serious golf.

Key Players to Watch on Saturday

Besides Scheffler, who is obviously the man to watch, keep an eye on these guys. They’ve got the game and the pedigree to make things interesting.

• Sungjae Im: He’s been solid all week. He knows how to grind, and he’s not afraid of a challenge. If Scheffler falters even a little, Im is absolutely in a position to capitalize. He’s consistent, and that’s often what wins these tournaments.
• Viktor Hovland: Bogey-free golf is impressive. He’s got the firepower and the finesse. He’s shown he can win big tournaments, and he’s clearly comfortable at TPC Southwind. His confidence off the tee is a big deal, and if he keeps hitting fairways, he’s a massive threat.
• Ludvig Åberg: The young gun. He’s fearless. He’s already proven he can compete at the highest level. Don’t be surprised if he makes a big move on Saturday. He plays with a lot of freedom, and that can be dangerous for the guys ahead of him.
• Other Contenders: Always look out for guys who might be lurking a few shots back. Sometimes, it’s the guys you aren’t talking about who make the biggest noise. Check the leaderboard, see who’s creeping up. This tournament is far from over.

The tee times for Scheffler and Im are set for 1:45 p.m. ET . That’s going to be the marquee group, no doubt about it. You’ll want to tune in for that one. Watching Scheffler navigate the pressure with Im right there will be must-see TV. Or, you know, must-see streaming.

Final Thoughts on Round 3

Saturday at the FedEx St. Jude Championship is going to be intense. We’ve got a stacked leaderboard, a brutal course in blistering heat, and a lot of guys fighting for position in the FedEx Cup standings. Scheffler has the lead, but he’s got company. Im and Hovland are right there, ready to pounce. And you can never count out a hungry young player like Åberg.

The key for everyone will be managing the heat and staying focused. One bad stretch of holes can send you tumbling down the leaderboard. But one hot streak can put you right in the thick of it. It’s moving day for a reason. Expect fireworks. Expect drama. And most importantly, expect some damn good golf. Make sure you’ve got your viewing plan locked in. You won’t want to miss this.