JT Poston took a commanding lead at the 2026 Memorial Tournament after shooting a 7-under-par 65 in Friday's second round. His total stands at nine under par after two rounds at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio [1, 2].
World number one Scottie Scheffler, the two-time defending champion, struggled to keep pace. Following a first-round 73 (+1), he carded an even-par 72 on Friday and now sits at one over par overall. Scheffler bogeyed holes 8, 9 and 10 but rallied with three birdies on the back nine. He said, "I felt like I was going to shoot about 90 today. That's maybe some of the worst I've hit it in a couple years out there and I still managed to shoot even par around a golf course that requires you to strike the ball really well." Scheffler's iron play was a weakness; he ranks 59th out of 72 players in strokes gained approach, losing over two shots to the field [1, 2].
Scheffler trails Poston by eight to ten shots depending on the source [1, 2]. Rory McIlroy also struggled in round two. He carded a 74 (+2) with a double bogey, two bogeys and a birdie in his last six holes. McIlroy stands at one over par after two rounds, tied for 19th place [1, 2]. McIlroy, who has played only three tournaments since his Masters win in April, is using the Memorial as a final warm-up before the 2026 US Open [1].
Tommy Fleetwood holds fourth place, five shots behind the leader, while Aaron Rai is at one under par after two rounds [1]. Friday's conditions were challenging. The course played firm and fast with thick rough and strong afternoon winds, hampering scoring opportunities [2].
The Memorial Tournament continues through Sunday with third round play scheduled for Saturday at Muirfield Village.
