ATLANTA — Scottie Scheffler enters the Tour Championship facing a significant challenge as he competes without the usual starting-strokes advantage. This year’s event has shifted to a 72-hole stroke play format where all 30 players begin at even par, putting Scheffler in the unfamiliar position of needing to overcome a five-shot deficit against co-leaders Tommy Fleetwood and Russell Henley. The Scottie Scheffler Tour Championship Challenge has drawn attention due to this new setup and his strong desire to close the gap.
Friday’s Performance Maintains Momentum Despite Deficit
On Friday, Scheffler demonstrated his strong form by finishing with a 1-under 69, securing birdie on the 18th hole and extending his streak to 19 consecutive rounds under par. This solid play shows his consistency, though it leaves him trailing behind Fleetwood and Henley. His current situation mirrors the BMW Championship from last week, where he was just one shot behind after two rounds but eventually claimed victory by two strokes.
Scheffler Reflects on His Game and Confidence
Evaluating his performance, Scheffler shared,
I think if I continue to strike it the way I did today, it’s just one of those days where it seemed like I wasn’t getting rewarded for the stuff that I was doing; just a touch off all day.
He expressed confidence in his overall skill level despite some minor inconsistencies, exemplified by a near-perfect drive that narrowly missed the fairway by just a foot on the 18th hole.
New Tournament Format Changes the Competitive Landscape
This year’s Tour Championship format departs from its traditional model, eliminating the staggered starting scores previously awarded to players based on their post-season points standings. Instead, all participants start on equal footing at even par. Last year, Scheffler began with a 10-under par advantage, which contributed to his win over Collin Morikawa, who posted the week’s lowest score without starting strokes. The format change offers a new test of resilience and adjustment for the players, intensifying the competition at East Lake.
Looking Ahead: Can Scheffler Mount a Comeback?
With intense pressure mounting and the field fiercely competitive, Scheffler must draw on his experience and determination to surmount the deficit. The challenge ahead will demand mental and physical toughness, particularly given the absence of any head start. As the weekend progresses, anticipation builds for whether Scheffler can replicate his recent success and contend for the title in one of golf’s most prestigious events.