Scottie Scheffler just made history at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, finishing with the lowest 72-hole score ever on the PGA Tour. He shot an impressive 8-under 63 on the final day at TPC Craig Ranch, bringing his total to a remarkable 31-under 253. This ties the previous low mark set by Justin Thomas in 2017 and matched by Ludvig Åberg in 2023.
Scheffler had a bit of a shaky start, going birdie-bogey on the second and third holes. But he quickly found his rhythm, nailing four consecutive birdies and finishing the front nine with an eagle from 20 feet at the ninth hole. He also picked up birdies on Nos. 11, 14, and 15, all from within 8 feet.
Despite his commanding lead, Scheffler mentioned, “I never really felt like my lead was too comfortable. I always tried to keep pushing, hitting good shots.” A mistake on the 17th hole led to a bogey, and he ended with a par on the last hole, which means he could have set an even lower score.
This performance places Scheffler in an elite group. He now joins the ranks of the 30-under club, only the second player to do so without achieving the feat at Kapalua. Hideki Matsuyama holds the overall record with a score of 35 under at The Sentry earlier this year.
Erik van Rooyen finished second, trailing by eight shots, followed by Sam Stevens and Jordan Spieth, who were further behind. Van Rooyen acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Scottie was practically flawless."
This victory marks Scheffler’s first official win on the PGA Tour since last June’s Travelers Championship. It’s especially meaningful for him, as this tournament is close to his heart. He grew up attending it and has fond memories of watching his idols compete.
In a touching moment, he reflected on his journey, stating, “I just dreamed to be able to play in it, and it’s more of a dream to be able to win it.” His journey from fan to champion illustrates the incredible possibilities in professional sports.
Recent studies indicate that up-and-coming golfers are increasingly inspired by players like Scheffler. As they see records being shattered, it’s clear that a new generation is eager to make its mark on the sport.
If you’re curious about the best scores in PGA history, check out this detailed overview of 72-hole records.