NASSAU, Bahamas — Scottie Scheffler birdied each gap however the par 3s on the entrance 9 at Albany Golf Membership on Friday and completed his bogey-free spherical with an 8-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead within the Hero World Problem.
Two months off did nothing to sluggish the world’s No. 1 participant. Scheffler already has eight victories this 12 months and is in place to get one other earlier than the top of the 12 months.
Scheffler was at 13-under 131, two forward of Akshay Bhatia (66) and Justin Thomas (67), each of whom needed to save par on the 18th gap to remain in vary going into the weekend.
Scheffler began with a lob wedge to 2 toes for birdie and by no means slowed till after he went out in 29 to grab management of the vacation event towards a 20-man subject. Scheffler cooled barely on the again 9, besides it didn’t really feel that method to him.
“Entrance 9, simply issues have been going my method. Again 9, perhaps not as a lot,” Scheffler stated. “A pair photographs might find yourself nearer to the opening, a pair putts go in, simply little issues.”
Requested if he felt any frustration he didn’t take it decrease — he as soon as shot 59 on the TPC Boston in the course of the FedExCup playoffs — Scheffler sounded bemused.
“I feel on this sport I feel lots of all y’all are on the lookout for perfection out of us,” he stated. “Immediately I shot 8 underneath on the golf course, not one thing I cling my head about. A number of good issues on the market — clear card, bogey-free, eight birdies. Total, I feel I’m fairly happy.”
Thomas felt his 67 was stress-free, notably the way in which he was driving the ball. The wind laid down once more, uncommon for the Bahamas, although it’s anticipated to select up on the weekend.
Thomas wasn’t involved to see Scheffler get off to a sizzling begin, particularly with three par 5s on the entrance 9 and a brief par 4 that at worst leaves a flip wedge to the inexperienced.
“You actually can birdie each gap as delicate because the greens are,” Thomas stated. “He’s an incredible participant, an incredible wedge participant, and you’ve got lots of birdie holes to start out. I’m actually stunned he solely shot 8 underneath. It’s a sneaky course as a result of for those who go to sleep on some photographs, you may get out of place. However for those who’re on and targeted and actually in command of every little thing — like these final two days with no wind — you’ll be able to simply make so many birdies.”
Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley had a 67 and was 4 photographs behind.
Irrespective of how benign the circumstances, it wasn’t at all times simple. Cameron Younger, who opened with a 64 for a two-shot lead, adopted with a 75 regardless of making 5 birdies. That included a double bogey on the ultimate gap when his method tumbled down the financial institution into the rocks framing the lake that goes all the way in which down the 18th gap.
Patrick Cantlay was attempting to maintain tempo enjoying alongside Scheffler, however he had three bogeys over the ultimate seven holes and fell seven photographs behind with a 71.
The event, hosted by Tiger Woods, is unofficial however gives world rating factors to all however the backside three gamers due to the small subject. It’s the weakest subject in 25 years, however Scheffler at No. 1 provides it sufficient cachet.
He’s the primary participant since Woods in 2009 to start out and end a 12 months at No. 1 on this planet. And even after a layoff — giving him time to tinker with a brand new placing stroke — it appears to be like prefer it is perhaps some time earlier than anybody modifications that.
