SCOTTIE Scheffler is in a commanding position at his hometown event, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, after a stellar second round.
The world’s top-ranked player shot an 8-under 63 on Friday (Saturday, May 3, 2025, PH time) to reach 18 under through 36 holes.
Scheffler, playing alongside fellow Dallas resident and Texas alumnus Jordan Spieth, extended his lead as the second round was delayed by a six-hour weather interruption.
Approximately half the field was unable to complete the round, with play suspended due to darkness at the TPC Craig Ranch in a Dallas suburb.
The TPC Craig Ranch, known for yielding low scores, proved no obstacle for Scheffler, who opened with a 61 on Thursday.
His 36-hole total of 124 surpassed the previous tournament record by two shots and was just one stroke shy of Justin Thomas’ PGA Tour record from 2017.
Spieth, who shares a strong desire to win his hometown event, carded a 67 on Friday and is currently at 6 under.
Jhonattan Vegas, another Texas Longhorns alumnus, is eight shots behind Scheffler after finishing his 69. Ricky Castillo was 10 under when play was halted.
Scheffler, who has played two bogey-free rounds, began his second round on the back nine and parred his first eight holes before making an eagle at the par-5 18th, just before the weather delay.
Lightning initiated the delay, followed by several hours of rain, which marked the second weather disruption in three days. Players returned to find water spraying from many fairway shots.
Despite the conditions, Scheffler maintained his focus, hitting 12 of 14 fairways and recording six birdies on his final nine holes. “There were some fairways that were pretty wet, but other than that, I think the golf course held up pretty well,” Scheffler said.
Defending champion Taylor Pendrith shot 71 and is 4 under, placing him in danger of missing the cut.
Scheffler anticipated the lengthy delay and spent much of the time in the clubhouse, eating and socializing with other players.
“The food is just sitting there,” Scheffler said. “So we enjoyed some food, sat there, kind of hung out with some of the guys and didn’t do too much.”
The delay did not disrupt Scheffler’s momentum, which began with the eagle before the stoppage. He sank six birdie putts, all from within 15 feet.
“We’re on a golf course where you’ve got to make some birdies, and the conditions today were changing a good amount,” Scheffler said. “Obviously with the huge rain delay, that was a challenge as well. Getting back out and playing in some wind and some pretty wet fairways, but overall, it’s great to be playing at home.”
Sam Stevens, who shot 65 on Friday and is six shots behind Scheffler, has played the first two rounds without a bogey. The 28-year-old, seeking his first PGA Tour victory, finished second at the Farmers Insurance Open in January.
“There’s so many birdies out here and there’s so much golf to be played, I need to keep my head down,” Stevens said. “And if I get in a situation where I’m in contention with nine holes to go, then I have some memories to draw on.” / From the wires