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Scheffler Takes Lead at Houston Open with Stellar Performance
Scottie Scheffler demonstrated his prowess at the Houston Open by tying the course record he initially set in 2021, concluding the round with an impressive eight-under-par 62. This performance has placed him in a strong position with a one-shot advantage as weather challenges affected the tournament.
Remarkably, this round marks Scheffler’s most complete outing of the year, especially noteworthy considering he missed the first month of the season due to a glass injury sustained during a holiday mishap.
Beginning his round strongly, Scheffler secured two birdies, the second one made from just inside 30 feet after hitting only one green in regulation throughout the round. Reflecting on his game, he remarked, “Yesterday I felt like I made a couple of key par saves, and today I felt largely in control of the course, which gave me numerous opportunities for birdies.” He added, “I didn’t find myself scrambling for par as much, mainly because I was consistently in the fairway.”
This performance marks the eighth occasion that Scheffler has posted a score of 62 or lower, including a stunning 59 during the FedEx Cup playoffs at TPC Boston in 2020. Notably, his last round of 62 was in the final round at Le Golf National, where he clinched the Olympic gold medal during the 2024 Paris Games.
Scheffler now leads by one over Canada’s Taylor Pendrith, while Jackson Suber trails him by three shots after a challenging first round that included a four-putt double bogey.
Challenges for Rory McIlroy Amid Weather Disruptions
In the afternoon wave, Rory McIlroy faced numerous challenges, starting a significant 11 shots behind Scheffler. He managed to collect back-to-back birdies but stumbled with a bogey on the seventh hole before play was halted due to lightning strikes.
“The day turned out quite different from what we anticipated,” noted Scheffler. “The forecast this morning suggested we might play through some delays, but I found myself ready to go from the outset.” Scheffler notably started his round with a solid 10-foot birdie on the 10th hole and a longer 25-footer on the 11th, maintaining a bogey-free path throughout the round.
While he admitted his iron play could use improvement, Scheffler expressed confidence in his putting, which allowed him to handle the course without unnecessary risks. This approach contributed to a comfortable round filled with birdies, leaving him well-positioned ahead of the weekend as he gears up for his final appearance before The Masters.
As the Texas Children’s Houston Open unfolds, viewers can anticipate exciting golf action live on Sky Sports. Coverage continues on Saturday, beginning at 3 PM on Sky Sports Golf, with a more comprehensive broadcast at 5 PM. Catch all the thrilling moments by checking out Sky Sports or stream on NOW.
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