Henley and Scheffler Shine as Tour Championship Begins

Russell Henley showcased exceptional putting skills, while Scottie Scheffler displayed remarkable accuracy off the tee. Their performances set the stage for the Tour Championship and the season-ending FedEx Cup title race, taking advantage of the soft course conditions at East Lake.

Henley's impressive round included one-putting six of his final seven holes, sinking three birdie putts from significant distances, and finishing with three consecutive birdies for a score of 61. This performance gave him a two-shot lead over the world's top-ranked player. Scheffler maintained his consistent form, completing his round with a crucial par save and two birdies, resulting in a score of 63, his best at East Lake.

Rory McIlroy provided some unexpected entertainment during his round. He bladed a bunker shot on the par-five 18th hole, sending the ball over the green and off the grandstands, only to have it bounce back onto the green. He then managed to sink an 18-foot putt for an unlikely birdie.

The leaderboard was filled with low scores, reflecting the favorable conditions. The tournament features a substantial purse, and all participating players have an equal opportunity to win. The course had softened due to heavy rain, allowing players to lift, clean, and place their golf balls in the short grass.

Henley noted that the softer conditions, compared to the previous year, made the course more "gettable." His putting prowess was a key factor in his success, with an estimated 207 feet worth of putts made during the round.

Several players, including Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Patrick Cantlay, who are vying for a spot on the Ryder Cup team, finished with scores of 64. Morikawa expressed his hope to have done enough to earn a captain's pick, while focusing on winning the tournament.

Scheffler, fresh off a victory the previous week, continued his strong play. The only challenge he faced was the swirling wind as a storm approached, which made it slightly harder to get close to the pin for birdie opportunities.

Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre also posted impressive scores. MacIntyre, who finished as the runner-up in the previous week's tournament, is looking forward to returning to Scotland. He also reflected on his experience with the crowd during the previous week's tournament, viewing it as a valuable learning opportunity for the upcoming Ryder Cup.