Memorial Tournament: JT Poston Takes Early Lead as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy Struggle

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy both struggled in the second round of the Memorial Tournament, leaving the world’s top two players eight shots behind leader JT Poston. Scheffler, the world number one and defending champion seeking a third straight win at the event, fought through a difficult day at Muirfield Village Golf Club to post a level-par 72. After opening with a 73, he sits at one over for the tournament. The American dropped three consecutive shots with bogeys at holes eight, nine and 10, but steadied himself with three birdies on the back nine to limit the damage. Scheffler admitted he had played poorly by his standards, saying he felt he was going to shoot about 90 and that it was some of the worst ball-striking he has had in years. Even so, he managed to stay even par on a course that demands precise striking.

McIlroy also found conditions difficult, signing for a two-over-par 74 that included a double bogey, two bogeys and a birdie over his final six holes. The Northern Irishman, ranked world number two, is playing only his third tournament since winning the Masters in April and is using the Memorial as his only warm-up event before the US Open at Shinnecock Hills later this month.

Poston produced the round of the day with a seven-under-par 65 to move to nine under overall and take a one-shot lead over fellow American Ryan Gerard. The 33-year-old, ranked world number 94, has three PGA Tour victories, with his most recent title coming in 2024. His strong second round put him in control heading into the weekend and gave him breathing room over a crowded chasing pack.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood remains in contention in fourth place, five shots behind the lead, while fellow Englishman and PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai is on one under par. The leaderboard remains tight behind Poston, but Scheffler and McIlroy will need a major turnaround if they are to challenge for the title.

The Memorial Tournament has again highlighted the difficulty of Muirfield Village, where accuracy and control are crucial. Scheffler’s fight to salvage par and McIlroy’s uneven finish showed how quickly mistakes can add up on a demanding course. With two rounds remaining, Poston holds the advantage, but several big names still have time to make a move.