It had become easy to forget what a Scottie Scheffler procession looked like. Until now. The world No 1 was without a win – mostly thanks to his putting – in an official PGA Tour event since last year’s Players Championship until decimating the field at this Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Texan’s results included a series of top-10 finishes – plus success at the Hero World Challenge – since exiting Sawgrass 12 months ago, with putting woes undermining hopes of adding to his trophy collection.
On the brink of his Players return, Scheffler led the rest of the Bay Hill draw a merry dance. He started the day tied for the lead with his playing partner Shane Lowry. By the time Scheffler holed from 35ft for a birdie at the 15th, his advantage was six. Lowry could only look on in awe. “There’s probably only a couple of players in the world that can live with him playing like that,” he said. “Not sure I’m one of them.”
