Scottie Scheffler hailed a “dream start” after equalling the course record with a sensational nine-under-par 61 at the St Jude Championship.
The world No 1 produced another reminder of his dominance in Memphis on Friday, moving three shots clear of the field at the halfway stage of the opening FedEx Cup play-off event.
Scheffler began the second round at TPC Southwind in devastating fashion, reeling off five consecutive birdies to immediately surge up the leaderboard.
And the American admitted afterwards that even he struggled to recall making such a blistering start during his PGA Tour career.
“Really just a dream start. Probably one of the best starts I’ve had on tour, to be honest with you. I couldn’t tell you a time where I’ve been lower early in the round,” Scheffler said.
His remarkable opening salvo proved to be merely the beginning.
Scheffler added another six birdies during his round, with bogeys at the eighth and 12th the only setbacks as he signed for a 61.
It was his fourth round of 61 or lower on the PGA Tour and matched the existing course record at TPC Southwind.
Scheffler, who entered the FedEx Cup play-offs already occupying top spot in the standings, believes his game has been trending in the right direction in recent weeks.
“My swing has felt really good in the past couple weeks, especially playing at home,” he added.
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“It was nice to get out there and get things rolling early in the round and was able to keep the momentum going and shoot myself a nice round.”
Scheffler now holds a commanding position heading into the weekend, although several big names remain within striking distance.
South Korea’s Im Sung-jae and Norway’s Viktor Hovland are his nearest challengers at eight under, three strokes off the lead.
Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg sits another shot behind, while reigning FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood is the leading British contender.
Fleetwood is five shots adrift of Scheffler at six under and part of a four-player group that also includes former Masters champion Jordan Spieth.
Matt Fitzpatrick sits at three under, while fellow Englishman Aaron Rai is one stroke further back on two under.
Rory McIlroy, however, faces a sizeable task if he is to force himself into contention over the weekend.
The six-time major winner is four over after 36 holes and well adrift of Scheffler.
There is no halfway cut during the FedEx Cup play-offs, meaning McIlroy will have another two rounds to climb the leaderboard.
Robert MacIntyre will play no further part after withdrawing before Friday’s second round because of a knee injury.
The Scot had struggled badly while carrying the problem on Thursday, limping to a 12-over 82.
MacIntyre entered the tournament 31st in the FedEx Cup standings, with only the top 50 progressing to next week’s BMW Championship.
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