Memorial Tournament: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler Edge Under Par Before Storm Suspends Play

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler both made gains on Saturday at the Memorial Tournament, but neither was able to close the gap on leaders JT Poston and Ryan Gerard before severe weather forced play to be stopped at Muirfield Village. McIlroy and Scheffler each moved to one-under par after completing most of their third rounds, while Poston and Gerard remained out in front at nine under when heavy rain, strong winds and hail swept across the course.

The day turned chaotic as the third round was suspended for a second time. A television tower reportedly blew down near the 10th green, underscoring the severity of the storm. Tournament officials later confirmed that play would not resume that evening and announced that the third round would restart on Sunday morning at 7:30am local time, with final-round tee times expected between 11am and 12:45pm in threesomes off both the first and 10th tees.

Only 21 players managed to finish their rounds before the weather interruption, with Harris English posting the best clubhouse score of the day at three under after a 69. The players still on the course, including the leaders, faced a long Sunday schedule after the delay. Poston and Gerard were tied for the lead after five holes, with Sam Burns one shot back after six.

Scheffler’s round showed both momentum and frustration. The world No 1 opened with a bogey on the first hole but quickly surged up the board with a birdie-birdie-eagle stretch around the turn, followed by another birdie on the 10th. However, his challenge stalled with a three-putt on the par-five 11th, a bogey at the 12th after finding a bunker, and another dropped shot at the 14th after his approach found water. He stood at two under for the round and eight shots off the lead when play was halted.

McIlroy’s round was also interrupted after he had completed 16 holes, leaving him well back from the leaders despite making a couple of gains. The conditions changed dramatically from the fast, firm setup that had challenged players earlier in the week, as the rain softened the course and made scoring easier for those still to come.

Justin Thomas, who had made the cut on the number after a dramatic par save on Friday, was among those affected by the weather. He had hoped being first off would give him the best chance to post a strong score, but he played just 12 holes in dry conditions before the first delay. After finishing with a 72, he admitted he had simply missed the ideal weather window.

Poston now has added pressure removed as he chases a potentially valuable finish that could improve his world ranking enough to secure US Open qualification. With a major championship spot on the line and a weather-delayed finish ahead, Sunday at the Memorial is set for a long and demanding conclusion.