Masters champion Scottie Scheffler showcased his skills at the Memorial tournament, finishing strong with a 4-under 68 to take a three-shot lead. Despite challenging conditions with gusty winds on a firm course, Scheffler managed to excel, highlighted by an eagle on the 15th hole and solid par saves towards the end of his round.
Currently standing at 9-under 135, Scheffler leads the pack, with Viktor Hovland and Adam Hadwin trailing by three shots. The Memorial, known for its prestigious $20 million purse, saw 22 players, including notable names like Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay, miss the cut.
Scheffler, known for his competitive spirit, expressed his focus on performing rather than dwelling on the difficulty of the game. His consistent play has been evident, with occasional setbacks quickly recovered.
Hovland and Hadwin also displayed strong performances, with Hovland's confidence growing steadily and Hadwin navigating the challenging wind conditions effectively. As the tournament progresses, the dry forecast promises even tougher conditions for the players.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Keegan Bradley are within striking distance, while Ludvig Aberg, impressed by Scheffler's form, aims to stay competitive. Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy find themselves trailing by six shots after the second round.
Notably, Lee Hodges, the only player not already qualified for the U.S. Open, made a strong showing. The battle for the final Olympic spot for Canada between Hadwin and Corey Conners adds another layer of intrigue to the competition.
With Scheffler setting the pace, the field faces a tough challenge ahead as the tournament progresses. The Memorial promises an exciting weekend of golf as players strive to outperform each other in pursuit of victory.
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