ATLANTA — Masters champion Scottie Schiffler is looking every inch the No. Scottie Scheffler, the Masters champion, is playing like the No. 1 golfer and was close to capturing a huge lead at Saturday’s TOUR Championship. Three holes from Xander Schauffele changed everything heading into the weekend at East Lake. Schauffele made a pair birdie putts and then drilled a 4-iron right over the bunker, just by the hole on 18th par-5. He then putted in a 5-foot eagle shot. Scheffler had no choice but to settle for pars, and Schauffele finished with a birdie-birdie–eagle score of 7 under 63. He went from six shots behind Friday to a two-shot lead. Schauffele is not known for getting too excited, and this was no exception. He said, “It was nice that I picked up some shots here, but it is just a positioning struggle going into Sunday.” There is a lot of golf on this property. Scheffler was not overly concerned. Scheffler is rarely concerned. Scheffler stated, “I’m going to just go out there and do what I want and try to play good golf.” Scheffler is currently at 19-under par. Scheffler started the FedExCup at 10 under par. He was the FedExCup’s No. 1 seed. Schauffele started four shots back as the No. 4 seed — with few complaints, except that he didn’t make every birdie opportunity. Scheffler was bogey-free. Scheffler missed four putts that were 10 feet or more. These were opportunities for Scheffler to remind himself that he was still playing the same kind of golf that brought him four wins in two months, including the Masters. Scheffler opened the day five shots ahead. He made birdies at 5 feet on the par-3 2nd hole, and then he pounded the driver on the 3rd hole. Scheffler was so well placed that he could flip his wedge to 5 feet to make another birdie. He was now ahead by eight shots. Jon Rahm had a 63 as well and was 13 shots behind the leader. While being interviewed, he glanced up at the TV screen to check if Scheffler had added another birdie. Six shots were still ahead of him. Sungjae im (65) and Patrick Cantlay (66), the defending champion, are seven shots behind. Rahm was unsure if he would put himself back into the mix. However, his score of 63 made it seem more reasonable. Rahm said, “But he’s still playing good golf.” Rahm stated that we will have to continue to play good golf and keep going.” It’s going be a tough weekend for me, and Scottie. That’s what we were looking for.” Schauffele seemed happy to see that. Six feet behind, he made the birdie from 12 feet behind a back pin on the 16th. His wedge was 4 feet from the fairway on 17th. The bold 4-iron on 18 was a winner. It was just a touch off my target, but it had the distance I needed and the right shape. Schauffele stated that I hit it very well so it didn’t worry me too much. “I was just trying to make sure that I covered that corner, and I hit it solidly so I knew it would cover. It was a bonus for it to reach 5,6 feet. Schauffele has a remarkable record around East Lake since he arrived on the PGA TOUR in 2017, when he was a rookie. Before FedExCup starting strokes were introduced, the FedExCup was a different experience. Justin Thomas was awarded the huge bonus. He had the lowest score of 72 holes when it switched to the staggered start, which is based on seedings. Schauffele has never shot lower than par in 22 rounds, regardless of the format. Only two rounds have been shot at 70. The other 20 were in the 60s. He doesn’t think so. He isn’t worried about the two-shot deficit he reduced to over the last three holes. He said, “There is a lot at stake and it will be difficult to stay present.” The $18 million bonus is at stake, as well as the chance to win four PGA TOUR titles. Scheffler hopes to make it the best year ever in golf by winning a fitting title. He was still looking for his first PGA TOUR championship seven months ago. Max Homa had the best score on those soft, sunny days with a 62, and is still 10 shots behind.
Title: Scottie Scheffler leads by two over Xander Schauffele at TOUR Championship
Sourced From: www.pgatour.com/daily-wrapup/2022/08/26/scottie-scheffler-leads-by-two-over-xander-schauffele-at-tour-championship.html
Published Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:38:00 -0400
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