Tournament leader Scottie Scheffler maintains a slender advantage over Rory McIlroy, who made an extraordinary birdie at the PGA Tour Championship, but remains behind in the overall standings.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy Battle it Out at the FedEx Cup Tour Championship
The PGA Tour Championship is underway at East Lake Golf Club, and the competition is fierce. Despite starting even with everyone else, Scottie Scheffler has made a strong showing, finishing first in the FedEx Cup standings. However, he finds himself two shots behind Russell Henley, who posted a sparkling nine-under 61 in the first round.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who were paired together due to their 1-2 finish in the FedEx Cup standings, are neck and neck on the leaderboard. Scheffler had a great round and is currently second, while McIlroy is five shots behind Henley and three shots behind Scheffler.
McIlroy had a particularly challenging moment on the final hole, a par-5. Facing a greenside bunker, his shot ricocheted off the bleachers and settled 17 feet from the cup. Despite the odds, McIlroy managed to convert for a birdie, demonstrating both luck and skill.
Rory McIlroy, who finished second in the FedEx Cup standings, didn't play in the first event of the playoffs. In contrast, Scottie Scheffler advocated for doing away with starting strokes, despite it potentially affecting him negatively more than others. The PGA Tour decided to do away with starting strokes for the Tour Championship this year, with every player starting the tournament on Thursday at even par.
In previous years, players would start a certain number of strokes under par based on their FedEx Cup Playoff standing. This change in format has added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, as every shot counts.
Professional golfers generally find it easy to birdie on the final hole at East Lake Golf Club. However, the long bunker shot is arguably one of the toughest shots in golf, and McIlroy's unconventional birdie on the final hole is a testament to his skill.
Rory McIlroy started the tournament strong, making a birdie on his final hole during the first round. Scottie Scheffler, too, posted a great round, finishing second on the leaderboard. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how these two golfing stars fare against each other.
Tommy Fleetwood won the 2025 PGA Tour Championship before the start-shot procedure was abolished. This year's tournament promises to be just as exciting, with the best golfers in the world vying for the coveted title. The Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club is shaping up to be a thrilling event, with every shot potentially deciding the outcome.
