SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Defending champion Scottie SchefflerThe WM Phoenix Open was won by local favorite. Jon RahmTPC Scottsdale is just behind.
Scheffler, second in the rankings, played 25 holes on Friday. He shot a 3-under-par 68 in the first round and a bogeyless 64 in the second round to reach 10 under. He held a two-stroke advantage over Rahm. Adam Hadwinwhen play was halted because of darkness.
Rahm, the former Arizona State star, ranked No. He returned early to finish round one. To set up a Super Bowl weekend showdown against Scheffler, he shot 68-66. 1 ranking.
Scheffler stated, That would be a lot fun. It looks like were at 1 and 2, but its still possible to go higher. Well see how things develop. There is still a lot of golf for men to play. It should be a great weekend.
Hadwin still had eight holes when play was suspended. None of the afternoon starters could finish the round.
Scheffler won last year Patrick CantlayHe won his first PGA Tour title in a playoff. Scheffler won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and WGC-Match Play, and was named the PGA Tours player the year.
The Texan has hit 20 out of 28 fairways this week and 27 out of 36 greens in regulation.
Scheffler said, Around here when youre hitting fairways with good accuracy the course can kinda open for you. But the opposite can happen fast because there is trouble lurking on every hole.
After a frost delay Thursday and gusting winds on Thursday, the players faced a lighter breeze which shifted often.
Scheffler stated that the wind was really moving about. It could be difficult at times to judge. It was warm and nice, so it was great.
Rahm began the year with consecutive wins in the Sentry Tournament of Champions, and The American Express. In 2015, Rahm tied for fifth at TPC Scottsdale as an amateur.
Rahm finished the second round with a four-hole stretch of 4 under. He birdied the 13th hole, and holed out of a greenside bunner for eagle on 15th. On 16th, he made a 7-footer to birdie the par-3 16.
Rahm stated, I hit a lot great tee shots today. A lot good iron shots that… didn’t end in great spots.
His mother and 87 year-old grandmother, who were visiting from Spain, watched him play No. 16.
Unexpected. Rahm stated, Unexpected. Im glad that I didnt know until the shot was made, honestly. Otherwise, I think I would have tried to hard for my grandma, who would have been able to hit a good shot.
Top-ranked leaders were Scheffler, Rahm and the Revealers. Rory McIlroyAfter a tough opening 73, he had to rally. He had four birdies over a five-hole stretch, and was 3 under when play was stopped.
McIlroy aims to win the PGA Tours third consecutive victory after he took the Tour Championship in July and The CJ Cup (October). He also won the European tours first start in Dubai two weeks ago.
Wyndham ClarkAfter rounds of 68, 67, he was 7 under. Sungjae ImAlso, the score was 7 under with six holes to go.
Jason DayHe was 6 under and finished with a 65 to win the first round lead. He also added a 71.
Day said, Im glad to be in the house. Im going just to go relax.