MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Rory McIlroy snapped his string of three straight missed cuts in style Friday, shooting a 5-under 65 to take the lead into the weekend at the St. Jude Classic.
McIlroy came to Memphis looking to tune up his game before heading to San Francisco for his U.S. Open title defense at The Olympic Club. He birdied three of his final four holes, and had an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys to match his lowest PGA Tour round this year.
With a birdie on No. 18, McIlroy reached 7 under to break out of a four-way tie for the lead.
Jeff Maggert, tied for the first-round lead, shot a 68 to match J.B. Holmes (64) and Kevin Stadler (65) at 6 under. John Merrick, the other first-round leader, had a 69 to join Chad Campbell (67) and Kevin Kisner (66) at 5 under.
