McKINNEY, Texas — Scottie Scheffler, reveling in the comforts of his hometown, took command early at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Shooting an impressive 10-under 61, Scheffler leaped to a two-shot lead over contenders Rico Hoey and Jhonattan Vegas, illustrating his top-ranked status in style.
Scheffler's day started strong as he made the turn at 29, showcasing his return to the event he missed last year due to the birth of his son, Bennett. On familiar turf, he outshone fellow local hero Jordan Spieth, despite the challenging conditions at the rain-soaked TPC Craig Ranch.
Back on a course where he feels at home, Scheffler remarked, “Jordan and I love playing here. This tournament has meant a lot to us over the years.” He reflected on his absence, “I wasn’t too sad about what was going on in my life at the time.”
While Scheffler's dazzling performance was headline-worthy, Cameron Champ, stepping in as an alternate just hours before tee time, made an impact, ending the day among a six-way tie at 7-under 64.
Hoey, seeking his maiden PGA Tour win, also put in a noteworthy performance, carding an eagle on the 18th to cap an 8-under finish over his last 10 holes, tying his career-low on tour.
As for Scheffler, it's not just the scores that tell his story. After a year filled with top finishes, he remains poised, despite not clinching a tournament victory in 2025 yet. “I got off to a pretty good start today, and there’s three more days of the tournament. Just focused on going home and getting some rest,” Scheffler stated calmly, reflecting his approach of keeping a steady rhythm.
Cameron Champ shared insight into his recent challenges, balancing between near-misses and refining his mental game. “Last year, I haven’t really been playing that bad,” Champ noted as he strives to regain consistency after a rigorous off-season.
A week that started with sudden opportunities and challenges promises more excitement, as Scheffler seeks to capitalise on his lead and make a profound hometown statement.
