Scheffler grabs lead Hero World
MIAMI: Top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler fired a bogey-free eight-under par 64 to seize a two-stroke lead after Friday’s second round of the Hero World Challenge.
The 28-year-old American made eight birdies, seven of them on the front nine, to stand on 13-under 131 after 36 holes in the 20-player unofficial invitational at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.
Compatriots Justin Thomas and Akshay Bhatia shared second place, sitting at 133, with US 2025 Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley in fourth at 135.
Scheffler matched the lowest 36-hole total in the event at Albany, a record previously set by host Tiger Woods. However, winds are expected over the weekend following two calm opening rounds.
“A lot of it here is just keeping the ball in play,” Scheffler said. “When it gets windy, it can be pretty challenging to putt these greens because they can be pretty fast. They can be difficult to read and as the winds pick up, you start missing fairways, you can get into some pretty bad spots around here.”
Scheffler, who won eight titles this year, including his second Masters green jacket and Paris Olympic gold, has changed his putting grip to improve his accuracy on the greens.
“Pretty comfortable with my start lines all day,” Scheffler commented. “Made some important ones out there to keep the momentum of the round going. Overall, pretty pleased so far with the results.”
Scheffler birdied the first four holes, netting seven on the front nine to take the lead. His longest birdie putt within that run was a 17-footer at the par-4 fourth. His front-nine score of 29 was just one stroke off the course record set by Rickie Fowler in 2017.
“Just trying to keep my foot down on the pedal,” Scheffler added.
At the par-4 14th, Scheffler dropped his approach inches from the hole for a tap-in birdie, reaching 13-under with a three-stroke lead before parring his way to the clubhouse.
“It was good. I did a lot of good things. The front nine was really nice, and then on the back nine I felt like I did some good things as well. Maybe a few things didn’t go my way but under par on the back as well so overall very solid day,” he reflected.
Two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas and Bhatia each birdied the par-5 15th, closing the gap as they entered the weekend. Thomas shot a 67 while Bhatia finished with a 66.
Tied for fifth at 137 were Austrian Sepp Straka, Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, and South Korean Im Sung-jae.
Cameron Young, who led after the first day with a 64, struggled in the second round, dropping back to share tenth after a round of 75.
