Quite a few people believe that this 88th Masters has already been decided after the world number one made a captivating start on a difficult afternoon with unpredictable gusts of wind and conjured up a bogey-free 66 (-6) on the green. Thanks to his two victories and a second place before the first major of the year, Scottie Scheffler was already the heavy favourite at Augusta National Golf Club; the odds have been completely even since yesterday. The 27-year-old is not even in the lead.
The Only Way to Masters Success is Through Scottie Scheffler
And it’s not as if he didn’t have any problems yesterday either. Scheffler had to get out of difficult positions several times, especially in Amen Corner, and still managed to reach 13 greens in regulation thanks to his outstanding shotmaking. “Scottie is just incredibly efficient,” said playing partner Rory McIlroy after his own round of 71: “His ability to avoid bogeys is the secret to winning majors and major golf tournaments.” There are still 54 holes to play and disaster lurks around every bend at Augusta: But it is already clear that the only way to the Green Jacket is through Scottie Scheffler. And he also has a beard again.
Scottie Scheffler has shot bogey-free 66 at Bay Hill, bogey-free 64 at TPC Sawgrass and bogey-free 66 at Augusta National in the last 31 days.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) April 11, 2024
By Michael Basche