Masters champion Scottie Scheffle hunts 18-year Tiger record in ultra-tight $32m battle

In a riveting display of skill and determination, Collin Morikawa surged to the top of the leaderboard at the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament with a stellar bogey-free round of 66, joining a quartet of contenders vying for supremacy. His flawless performance on Friday was matched by a resurgent Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, whose scintillating 65 brought him within striking distance of the lead, setting the stage for a captivating weekend showdown reminiscent of Tiger Woods’ dominance in 2006.

Morikawa, a two-time major winner, showcased his prowess with a composed display, carding birdies at crucial junctures to assert his presence at the summit alongside J.T. Poston, Tom Hoge, and Sepp Straka. Despite not being at the peak of his form, Morikawa’s ability to navigate challenges and maintain a clean scorecard underscored his tactical acumen and resilience on the course.

Reflecting on his performance, Morikawa emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes and staying focused amid adversity, a strategy that proved effective in propelling him to the upper echelons of the leaderboard. Following a period of uncertainty earlier in the season, Morikawa’s resurgence culminated in a renewed sense of confidence, catalyzed by a breakthrough on the practice range.

Meanwhile, emerging talents like Ludvig Aberg, the runner-up at the Masters, showcased their potential with impressive displays, injecting further intrigue into the competition. Aberg’s meteoric rise since turning professional last year underscores the depth of talent in the field, with the Swede poised to challenge the established order.

Despite the formidable presence of world number one Scheffler, who surged into contention with a commanding performance, the leaderboard remains tightly contested, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. With Rory McIlroy also in contention, the stage is set for a dramatic denouement as the world’s best golfers vie for supremacy at the RBC Heritage.