Just as Scottie Scheffler earlier on Friday, capping a miraculous comeback to win the Travelers Championship. He ended up tying for the lead, despite his 10-over par collapse toward the end of his second round. The day proved challenging for many players as they battled gusty winds exceeding 30 mph, which significantly impacted their performance. Scheffler, who along with most of the other contenders floated to 9-under 131, one shot clear of Jason Day.
Scheffler’s round was defined by the 17th hole in which he hit an incredible second shot after finding himself in a bunker. He wrote his fear that it would lead to a flounder — displaying the tongue-in-cheek alarm of the time. Through all of these obstacles though, he was able to hold it together and stay on top of the field with his performance in the tournament.
Scheffler, looking back on his performance, recalled how important that moment was. “The tee shot, I hit it exactly the way I wanted to. As he sailed through his back nine, he was on the receiving end of a gauntlet of tough shots. This proved costly, as it led to a late double bogey.
The wind didn’t make it easy. This was the frustrating part — by hook or by crook, my ball should have blasted over the right lip of that water hazard to a good kick into the left fairway up…and instead I was in the left bunker.
The weather conditions started to show their impact quickly as this important factor continued to play a major role throughout the day. The overall score average jumped to 70.7, almost two strokes tougher than the first round. Rory McIlroy, who started the day as a co-leader and was 3-under through five holes, quickly cratered and briefly trailed Scheffler by eight shots. He started three over through four holes and said he understood how much the weather had impacted the field’s scoring.
“The greyish, overcast conditions today certainly clustered the whole field together and will create a fun weekend,” McIlroy said.
Among the other solid performances, Patrick Cantlay shot a 68 with a double bogey on the par-5 13th hole. He paired with a star-studded group at 135 that included Rory McIlroy. Tommy Fleetwood took the golfing world by storm last month, roaring back into contention with two eagles in three holes. He displayed remarkable toughness under the terrible circumstances.
I just kind of found the right moment,” said Fleetwood, who was golden with a variety of clubs from around the greens and in gusty conditions.
Justin Thomas was otherworldly, making five consecutive birdies during his round at one point. Denny McCarthy and Austin Eckroat kept pace in the bunched up competitive field, both at 7-under 133. In the chase pack were guys like Keegan Bradley and Nick Taylor who were right on their heels.
Scheffler took stock of his performance that day, and in doing so, admitted that not every shot was going to go his way. You’re never going to ace every single thing, as long as that crisis isn’t affecting us,” he said. Edition just grip it and rip it on the golf course, then prepare for the elements too with some sporadic inclement weather expected.
Looking forward to a great weekend at the Travelers Championship! Both on and off the course, players like Scheffler are primed to face whatever tough test lies ahead. Scoring margins are razor thin and the weather is uncertain. Fans are in for a thrilling conclusion to this year’s tournament.
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