Scottie Scheffler, the world number one golfer, made history during his opening round of the 2025 Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club on Thursday, shooting a remarkable 63 (-7). Scheffler’s performance was highlighted by achieving three putts from beyond 25 feet in a single round for the first time in his career, marking a historic milestone in his PGA Tour journey.
This outstanding round placed Scheffler in second position, just two strokes behind Russell Henley, as the two Americans battled early in the final FedEx Cup playoff event of the season.
Current Form and Position at the Tour Championship
Scottie Scheffler’s dominance in professional golf has continued to intensify, with the 29-year-old already securing two major championships and multiple PGA Tour titles this season. Now, competing at East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia, Scheffler is focused on defending his FedEx Cup title and adding the Tour Championship trophy to his growing list of achievements.
His opening seven-under 63 demonstrated his intent to stay at the forefront of the competition. Despite trailing Russell Henley, who recorded seven birdies, an eagle, and ten pars to post a 61 (-9), Scheffler remains the favorite among golf betting markets to claim victory this week.
The significance of this round extends beyond the score, as Scheffler’s ability to sink three long putts over 25 feet—an achievement never before recorded in his professional rounds—showcases his evolving skill set and composure under pressure.
Detailed Breakdown of Scheffler’s Long-Range Putting Feat
Throughout his opening round, Scheffler holed more than 140 feet of putts, with the three most impressive coming on the back nine. Beginning with a birdie on the 10th hole, Scheffler drained a putt from over 25 feet away, setting the tone for an exceptional run.
At the 16th hole, he executed a crucial par save with another impressive putt beyond 25 feet, a moment widely seen as pivotal in preserving his bogey-free round. This putt underscored his steady nerves and precision play in challenging circumstances.
Scheffler followed this with another 25+ foot putt for birdie at the 17th hole, effectively capping off a brilliant sequence of long-range putting that few players achieve even once in competitive play.
These three putts were instrumental in allowing Scheffler to maintain momentum and confidence, culminating in a seven-under 63 round that positioned him well to attempt a successful title defense.
The Broader Context and Implications for the Tour Championship
The tournament carries significant stakes, with $40 million in total prize money up for grabs, and a winner’s purse of $10 million. Scheffler’s strong start ensures he remains a leading contender as the championship progresses toward the weekend.
Having already established himself as a dominant force on the PGA Tour, Scheffler’s continued record-breaking performances and steady poise under pressure make him a formidable presence at East Lake. This historic achievement of holing multiple long putts in a single round adds yet another layer to his legacy.
With two shots separating him from the lead and a flawless opening round, Scheffler’s chances of capturing consecutive FedEx Cup titles look promising. Golf enthusiasts and analysts alike are watching closely as he continues to pursue further milestones in his career.
For the first time in his career, Scottie Scheffler has made three putts outside 25 feet in a single round!
He opened @TOURChamp in 7-under 63, chasing a repeat FedExCup crown. pic.twitter.com/a4iZZ2lWPh
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 21, 2025