Last year, Scottie Scheffler won the WM Phoenix Open, his first victory on the PGA Tour. In the following months, the American took the Augusta Masters and became world number 1. Since then, the 26-year-old has not returned to success. But the Ridgewood native is definitely at home in Scottsdale. Author of a perfect card with seven birdies (-7, best performance of the day), he took the lead of the tournament at -10.
The world number 2 is ahead of world number 3 Jon Rahm by two strokes. Under certain conditions, the two men could become world number 1 again next Monday. “Face Jon this weekend? It would be great fun. For now we are 1 and 2, but we will see how things go. A lot of guys still have to finish their second round. The weekend should be fun”delighted the leader.
Fitzpatrick, Morikawa and Cantlay in trouble
With his place in danger, Rory McIlroy had missed his first lap (73, +2). The Northern Irishman has a second, cleaner course with five birdies and zero bogeys after 13 holes. Provisionally 18th, the four-time major winner will play his last five this Saturday.
Alongside the greats, Adam Hadwin is also on the podium. The Canadian is second at -8 with eight holes left to play. His compatriot Nick Taylor (after 12 holes), with whom he shared the lead on Thursday evening, is now 6th at -6 overall, like the leader after the first round Jason Day.
The cut is projected at +1 and several world top 10s are threatened. Matt Fitzpatrick (after 12 holes) is 64th at +1. On the other hand, Collin Morikawa (+3 total, after 13 holes) and Patrick Cantlay (+4 total, after 12 holes) will have to fight to get back on the right side and return to the Scottsdale course this weekend.
