Scottie Scheffler made a remarkable start to his quest for a first FedExCup title, taking a seven-shot lead after the opening round of the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship.
The world No. 1, who has already secured six victories this season, began the tournament with a two-shot lead over Xander Schauffele. Despite a bogey on his first hole, Scheffler quickly took control, firing seven birdies, including five in his final seven holes, to card a round-of-the-day 65 and reach 16 under. This performance positions him as the clear favorite to win the season finale and claim the $25 million prize.
Schauffele, with a one-under 70, is tied for second with Collin Morikawa, who started his back nine with six consecutive birdies. Hideki Matsuyama and Keegan Bradley, winners of the first two Playoff events, are tied for fourth at eight under.
- Scheffler’s two-shot lead was briefly erased at the par-four first hole when he failed to save par and Schauffele made an eight-foot birdie to move to nine under. Scheffler regained the lead with a birdie at the third but missed a chance to extend his advantage at the fifth. Schauffele’s missed eight-foot birdie at the 10th allowed Scheffler to maintain his lead after a 35-footer birdie at the seventh put him back in front, reaching the turn one stroke ahead.