2024 Charles Schwab Challenge: Spieth and Scheffler Rebound Strongly in Round 2 to Rejoin Contention

A quick trip back home can work wonders for the game, as demonstrated by Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler at the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge. After a slow start, both local stars surged back into contention with impressive rounds in the 60s on Friday at the newly revamped Colonial Country Club. Spieth posted a 3-under 67, placing him at 2 under for the tournament, while Scheffler shot a 5-under 65, edging past Spieth by one stroke. Currently, the two are well-positioned on the leaderboard, with Sungjae Im and Keegan Bradley leading at 6 under.

Spieth’s round began with a bang as he sank a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-4 10th. A successful up-and-down on the 11th and a 40-foot birdie bomb on the 12th quickly moved him up the leaderboard. He even touched the lead after his approach on the 15th left him with a near-tap-in birdie, turning in a 5-under 30 for the front nine. However, a par 5 on the back nine proved tricky as a poor long iron shot left him in a difficult greenside bunker. Spieth couldn’t capitalize on any more birdie opportunities and added two bogeys to finish with a 2-over 37 on the back nine. Despite the frustrating finish, Spieth’s driving accuracy offers hope for a strong performance at Colonial, a course that suits his game.

Scheffler, meanwhile, had a steadier round. After missing a birdie putt on the 11th, he rebounded with a 15-foot birdie on the 13th. His iron play was initially problematic, with approach shots falling 30 to 40 feet short. Yet, the world No. 1 adapted, knocking in a series of short birdie putts, including a tap-in on the 18th, to turn in 2 under. A streak of four straight birdies highlighted his round, showcasing improved iron play. Late in the round, Scheffler relied on his short game, saving par from a bunker on the 8th and chipping in for par on the 9th to cap off a bogey-free 65.

Both Spieth and Scheffler recovered from over-par opening rounds to put themselves back in contention. Spieth, a former winner at Colonial, seeks his first victory in over two years, while Scheffler aims for his fifth win of the season. A victory at this hometown event would be significant for both players, building on the momentum gained from their strong second-round performances.