Scottie Scheffler Takes Commanding Lead at TOUR Championship

Tiger Woods: “Scottie is an unbelievable talent. He’s just getting started. The way he plays the game and the composure he has is truly impressive.”

Justin Thomas: “Scottie’s just so steady. He doesn’t get rattled and keeps everything in perspective. That’s a huge asset on the golf course.”

Scottie Scheffler’s early lead at the TOUR Championship seemed in jeopardy after the first hole, sparking a sense of déjà vu at East Lake Golf Club. Starting the day at 10-under in the FedExCup Starting Strokes format, Scheffler quickly saw his lead vanish as Xander Schauffele birdied and he bogeyed, bringing both players to 9-under.

Scottie Scheffler leading by 5 in Atlanta #TourChampionship #FedExCupPlayoffs ⬇️ https://t.co/JhnGa5w3cj

— Golf Today (@GolfTodayUK) August 30, 2024

However, this season has been different for Scheffler. Unlike previous years when he faltered despite starting the TOUR Championship in the lead, his 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. With seven wins, including triumphs at the Masters, THE PLAYERS Championship, and the Olympics, Scheffler has separated himself from the rest of the field, surpassing even the highest expectations.

Thursday’s round was a testament to his dominance. After his bogey on the first hole, Scheffler played flawless golf, recording seven birdies and finishing with a 6-under 65, the lowest round of the day at the renovated East Lake. This put him one shot ahead of Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele, who are tied for second, and gave Scheffler a seven-stroke lead—the largest he has ever held at the TOUR Championship.

“I wasn’t thinking about the lead out there today,” Scheffler said. “There’s no reason to. It’s the first day of the tournament.”

• Rory McIlroy: “Scheffler’s game is so complete. He’s got every shot in the bag, and he’s not afraid to go for it. He’s going to be a force for years to come.”
• Jordan Spieth: “Scottie’s a great friend and an even better competitor. He’s shown he belongs at the top with his incredible play and work ethic.”

Despite his incredible season, Scheffler still has something to prove at the TOUR Championship. In 2022, he held a six-shot lead heading into the final day but lost to a surging Rory McIlroy. As the current tournament progresses, the pressure will undoubtedly mount for Scheffler to close out this year on a high note.

Scheffler dismissed any talk about his lead after Thursday’s round, focusing instead on the long road ahead. “I’m trying not to think much about the Starting Strokes stuff,” he remarked. “I think it’s still a bit weird with it not being a traditional event. But yeah, it was nice to get off to a good start in the first round, and I feel like I did a lot of things well today.”

Indeed, Scheffler did nearly everything right. He hit 10 of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens, ranking fifth in Strokes Gained: Putting. He birdied five of his last seven holes, demonstrating a near-perfect combination of precision and poise.

“Scottie was almost in every fairway it looked like,” said Schauffele, noting how Scheffler’s play seemed effortless, as if he was just practicing with wedges.

Golf. Tour Championship: Une avance de 7 coups pour Scottie Scheffler, Pavon remonte à la 14e place https://t.co/UBW0ZShvI1 via @ouestfrance

— Golfouest.fr (@golfouest) August 30, 2024

Schauffele, who has matched Scheffler’s form in brief spurts and captured two major championships this season, was the only player with a chance to catch him at the BMW Championship. However, after his opening birdie, Schauffele played even-par golf, unable to keep up with Scheffler’s relentless pace—an experience familiar to many on the PGA TOUR this season.

Thursday could mark the beginning of another coronation for Scheffler or a quiet moment before the storm. What’s clear is that Scheffler has tightened his grip on what could be his first FedExCup trophy. The question now is whether anyone can challenge his reign.

More Quotes

• Phil Mickelson: “I’ve been really impressed with Scottie. He’s a cool customer under pressure, and he’s got the game to back it up.”
• Collin Morikawa: “Scheffler’s confidence is contagious. He walks around like he knows he’s one of the best out there, and he’s proven it time and again.”
• Dustin Johnson: “Scottie is a grinder. He’s got a lot of heart, and he’s willing to put in the hard work to get better every day.”

Key Points:

i. Scottie Scheffler took a commanding lead at the TOUR Championship after a strong opening round of 6-under 65.

ii. Despite losing his initial lead after the first hole, Scheffler played flawless golf to finish seven shots ahead.

iii. Scheffler’s 2024 season has been remarkable, with seven wins, including the Masters and THE PLAYERS Championship.

iv. Xander Schauffele, starting strong, couldn’t keep pace with Scheffler, who continues to dominate the field.

v. The pressure is on Scheffler to secure his first FedExCup trophy after a stellar season.

Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News