Despite being the dominant force on the PGA Tour over the last three years, Eastlake and the Tour Championship doesn’t hold too many fond memories for Scottie Scheffler.
Having been the top ranked player in the FedEx standings in each of the past two seasons, Scheffler has been denied FedEx glory by Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy.
Thanks to his six wins on the PGA Tour this season, Scheffler once again arrived at Atalanta at the top of the standings, but this time it feels different.
Having previously been unsure whether to stick or twist with his two stroke advantage, Scheffler had clearly decided to come out all guns blazing and after a dominant first round, he has never been in such a strong position to finally get his hands on his first FedEx prize.
Here is a recap of the main talking points from Round 1 of the Tour Championship.
Scheffler powers out in front, holds a historic lead
Leading up to this year’s Tour Championship there was plenty of talk about how the recently renovated Eastlake course would look and many were curious as to what the scoring conditions would be.
To the surprise of many, players went far lower than many expected and across the board there were several players who made significant moves. With many closing to within a few shots of his lead, Scheffler knew he had to respond and he did so in emphatic fashion.
Ending the day with the lowest round, the world number extended the two stroke lead he held at the start of the day to seven. No man in the history of the tournament has held such a dominant lead at the end of the first round.
After a nervy start where the Texan dropped a shot on his first hole, he would recover nicely and make the turn one under par, however from there he would push the accelerator.
Recording three consecutive birdies from holes 12-14, he would finish his round in style with two further birdies on 17 and 18.
For those watching, it was a familiar story as to how Scheffler was able to produce the goods. Immaculate off the tee, the Masters Champion was able to constantly put himself in positions where he could make birdies and with the putter firing he would take full advantage.
Unless the wheels come off, it’s hard to see how anyone can catch Scheffler. He won’t feel that the tournament is anywhere near done but as long as he can keep his composure, the FedEx prize will be his.
Schauffele struggles as others make their move
With Scheffler bogeying his first hole and Xander Schauffele managing to make a birdie, after just one hole it felt that the race to the FedEx was well and truly on.
However, despite his best intentions, things got away from the two time major winner quickly. Not like the usual calm self that we have become so accustomed to seeing, Schauffele seemed to be chasing things off the tee and found himself constantly out of position.
Scrambling to make pars, Schauffele could do nothing as Scheffler took control of the tournament. Singing off for a -1, round of 70, Schauffele will start today seven strokes back from his main rival and has left himself with plenty to do if he is to wrestle the FedEx away from the world number one.
Replacing Schauffele as Scheffler’s playing partner ahead of round 2 is Collin Morikawa, who despite also finding himself seven strokes adrift, will be delighted with how he played in yesterday’s first round.
Starting the day on -4, Morikawa was simply sensational on the back nine and went on a crazy birdie run where he made six consecutive birdies from holes 10-15.
His round of 66 was only eclipsed by Scheffler and as his nearest challenger tomorrow he will hope to exert some pressure on the world number one and make this tournament a contest heading into the weekend.
Another man who played some good golf yesterday was Wyndham Clark. The 2023 US Open Champion, Clark has had an odd year. A winner down in Pebble Beach, he has been a non factor in the majors, but his form has picked up once again through the playoffs.
As gritty and as tough a competitor as they come, like Morikawa, Clark got his round going on the back nine and looked in contention to shoot one of the best rounds of the day. However, he would end his day in a frustrating fashion. Hunting pins, he would overcook his approaches to both 16 and 18 and would end up leaving both greens with a bogey.
Ending the day eight shots back, he will need to be almost perfect if he is to harbour any serious hopes of overthrowing Scheffler at the top.
Two other names to keep an eye on over the next few rounds are Justin Thomas and Aaron Rai. Whilst both started the tournament too far back to challenge those at the top, both enjoyed a brilliant opening round with a pair of 66’s.
The duo will start their second round on -5 and will have plans to make further gains.
Tour Championship betting odds
If you think there is still value to be found, here is how the top ten in the betting currently looks
Scottie Scheffler - 1 / 4
Xander Schauffele - 8/1
Collin Morikawa - 20/1
Hideki Matsuyama - 33/1
Sam Burns - 33/1
Rory McIlroy - 40/1
Wyndham Clark - 40/1
Keegan Bradley - 60/1
Adam Scott - 60/1
Ludvig Aberg - 90/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
