Power keeps rampant Scheffler and PGA spot in his sights in Dallas
Scottie Scheffler opened with a blistering 10-under 61 as he chases his first win this year in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Dallas.
Backing up his nine-win 2024 season was never going to be easy, but despite signs to the contrary this season, the world number one insisted he’s not “anxious or eager” to get his first win of 2025.
“I wouldn't say anxious or eager,” said Scheffler, who took advantage of preferred lies and made five birdies and a spectacular eagle after a three-wood to four feet at the ninth to turn in 29 before picking up three birdies coming home.
“I got off to a good start today, and there are three more days of the tournament. I'm just focused on going home, getting some rest, and getting ready for tomorrow.”
Scheffler’s iron play has been far below its best this year.
He’s had five top ten finishes in eight starts but after putting the green jacket on Rory McIlroy at Augusta National, he’s added next week’s Truist Championship in Philadelphia to his schedule before heading to Charlotte for the PGA Championship.
“Yeah, feel good,” Scheffler said. “I played nice today. Had the good front nine; was able to put together a solid back nine as well. Overall very pleased with the results of today.”
Seamus Power had to birdie his last two holes to keep a rampant Scheffler in his sights and his hopes of qualifying for the PGA Championship alive.
Power is 65th in the PGA Championship points list and must remain inside the top 70 after this week to clinch his place at Quail Hollow.
The West Waterford man followed an early bogey at the third with an eagle three at the fifth before ending a run of pars with birdies at the 17th and 18th.
Power’s three-under 68 left him tied for 59th behind Scheffler, whose 61 gave him a two-shot lead over the Philippines’ Rico Hoey and Colombia’s Jhonattan Vegas.
“It was nice,” said Scheffler, who made four birdies in a row from the third and holed a 16-footer at the seventh to go five under before hitting a brilliant approach to the ninth.
“I hit some good shots to start the round, gave myself some looks, and was able to capitalise with a good iron shot on three and hit another iron shot on four.”
As for the ninth, he picked his 244-yard approach to four feet at the ninth as his best shot of the day.
“I was kind of in between clubs and I choked up on a three-wood and hit a really nice shot in there,” he said. “Yeah, that would probably be the best.”
