Hideki Matsuyama Surges to a 5-shot Lead in Steamy Memphis

Hideki Matsuyama Surges to a 5-shot Lead in Steamy Memphis
Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, hits a shot from the seventh fairway during the third round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament in Memphis on Aug. 17, 2024. Mark Humphrey/AP Photo
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MEMPHIS, Tenn.—Hideki Matsuyama pulled away from a crowded field Saturday with a 6–under 64, giving him a five-shot lead over Nick Dunlap in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the postseason opener where the focus began to shift toward players trying to extend their season.

Matsuyama quickly atoned for an early bogey by drilling a 3-wood over the water to 15 feet and making the eagle putt. He kept adding birdies the rest of the day in more steamy weather and no one could stay with him.