Scottie Scheffler’s hot streak continued with the world number one hitting three birdies in the final four holes to claim an opening 66 and sit third.
Scheffler, who has registered 12 successive top-eight finishes, said on Sky Sports: “It changed pretty significantly, a lot softer. The fairways were a little bit harder to hit this morning.
“They’re still pretty wide, but they were still with the firmness, challenging to hit. And then with the softness coming in with the rain, the golf course got significantly easier.”
Scheffler was playing with Masters champion Rory McIlroy and the three-time FedEx Cup winner made three birdies and three bogeys to finish with a level-par 70.
The Northern Irishman, who skipped the St Jude knowing he is guaranteed to be in next week’s Tour Championship, battled back after a slow start, with three bogeys in the opening six holes.
The top 30 in the season-long standings after this tournament will advance to next week’s event in Atlanta.