Hideki Matsuyama shot a six-under-par 64 to break away from a crowded field and take a five-shot lead in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first playoff match in which players battle to extend their seasons.

Matsuyama, the 2012 Masters champion, shot an eagle and five birdies to finish 17 under par at 193 at TPC Southwind in steamy Memphis on Saturday.

He left Nick Dunlap (66) far behind in second place in the final round and Viktor Hovland (66) was one stroke behind. World number one Scottie Scheffler lost ground with a 69 and is now tied with Sam Burns (70) in fourth place.

Matsuyama is aiming for his first FedEx Cup playoff title.

But this season opener is all about getting ahead. The top 50 in the points standings will qualify for the BMW Championship, which takes place outside Denver next week, and will be assured of a place in all of the $20 million special events next year.

Of the three Australians in the field, Jason Day is in a good position after his flawless 65 shots with six birdies left him six under par in 16th place on the leaderboard and is expected to move up to 22nd place.

Adam Scott was also on the right track. After starting the tournament in 55th place, he improved his projected score to 45th place after shooting a 68 and finishing 25th in the tournament at four strokes under par.

But Min Woo Lee remains well outside the top 50. With a score of 70 strokes, he is tied for 39th place at two under par and is expected to finish 63rd in the overall rankings.

For Jordan Spieth, the season was practically over when he made two double bogeys in his round of 74 and finished in 69th place in a field of 70 participants.

Will Zalatoris entered the postseason as the No. 49 seed and shot 67 on Saturday. He was tied for sixth place and all but assured of staying well inside the top 50.