URGENT UPDATE: Scottie Scheffler has made a triumphant return to competitive golf, sharing the lead at the Hero World Challenge with a stellar 6-under 66 on Thursday in Nassau, Bahamas. This marks Scheffler’s first tournament in two months, and he is tied with four other players, including U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun, Sepp Straka, Wyndham Clark, and Akshay Bhatia.
Playing at the picturesque Albany Golf Club, Scheffler’s performance has sent shockwaves through the tournament, despite a bogey on the final hole. With the competition heating up, this 20-man field serves as a crucial stepping stone for top players looking to gear up for the upcoming season.
Shedding any signs of rust, Scheffler showcased his elite skills with birdies on four of the six scoring holes, including all four par 5s. “I did some good stuff,” Scheffler stated. “I felt like I could have shot a good amount lower. There’s always a little bit of rust. Once you get into competition, I don’t really think about that stuff.”
Both Bhatia and Straka played impressively, maintaining bogey-free rounds. Meanwhile, Clark and Scheffler briefly reached 7 under before dropping shots late in their rounds. Clark’s bogey on the par-5 15th came after a poor tee shot, while Spaun stumbled on the 18th, hitting from a fairway bunker.
In a surprising twist, Clark and Bhatia both holed bunker shots for eagle on the reachable par-4 seventh, adding excitement to the day. The majority of the players fared well, with only four failing to break par. Notably, newcomer Chris Gotterup finished at 74, while Robert MacIntyre ended his round at 73.
The spotlight also shone on Jordan Spieth, who made his return after a long hiatus from competition. Granting a sponsor exemption, Spieth opened with a 72, struggling to shake off the rust. After three consecutive birdies on the front nine, he faltered, failing to score on the following eleven holes, battling with his chipping and putting.
As the Hero World Challenge unfolds, all eyes remain on Scheffler, who aims for his third consecutive title. This thrilling tournament promises to deliver more surprises as players vie for top honors before the season closes. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!
