Scottie Scheffler back where he belongs
Scottie Scheffler – image PGA of America
At this point last year, Scottie Scheffler had won four PGA Tour events and been runner-up on one other occasion. To date in 2025 there have been no wins but in his last three events there has been plenty of evidence to suggest a first win is at hand.
A runner-up finish in Houston, a 4th place finish at the Masters and an 8th place finish at the RBC Heritage in his last three starts have all pointed to a return to the sort of form which has seen him dominate world golf over the past three years and in Dallas this week he appears on track for that first win of the year.
Through 36 holes of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at the TPC Craig Ranch in the northern suburbs of Dallas, Scheffler has established a six shot lead. Although many in the field have yet to complete or, in a few cases, even start their second round, the lead he enjoys is likely to stand up when the balance of the field complete their second rounds on Saturday morning (Dallas time).
Play was delayed for over six hours in the afternoon due to inclement weather and then darkness, leaving many players still pursuing a place in the weekend field. The cut appeared likely to be 5 or 6 under.
Scheffler added a second round of 63 to his opening 61 to be six ahead of American Sam Stevens who has yet to win on the PGA Tour and eight ahead of Jhonattan Vegas and Ricky Castillo.
“I feel like my game has been trending in the right direction,” said Scheffler. “I had some good starts recently. I had a good start at the Masters, solid start, and then I had a chance here in Houston.
“Overall, I had a decent week in Hilton Head. I didn’t have a great Sunday, but overall I played some pretty solid golf. So I definitely feel like my game is trending in the right direction.
“This tournament definitely means a lot to me. I haven’t won Colonial yet, so I’m not even close to the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) double — is that what we’re calling it?
“Going into the weekend, I’m just going to do my best to stay focused, execute. It’s going to be a lot of fun to play here and have a chance to win. I put myself in good position the last two days, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and competing again tomorrow.”
Ryan Fox is at 6 under but has played only six holes of his second round as he chases weekend play for the 6th time in nine PGA Tour starts in 2025, Fox currently in 130th place in the 2025 FedEx Cup standings, while recent winner Karl Vilips, the Australian PGA Tour rookie, is at 5 under for the tournament through just three holes of round two so has some work to do if he is to be around for the final 36 holes.
