Scheffler flirts with 59, leads Travelers Championship
Scheffler flirts with 59, takes Travelers Championship lead
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s second-round 62 at TPC River Highlands leaves him one shot short of golf’s rarest number—and everyone else playing catch-up.
Scottie Scheffler didn’t just seize the lead at the Travelers Championship—he nearly rewrote the record books in the process. 1 carded a nine-under 62 in Round 2 at TPC River Highlands, finishing one stroke shy of golf’s mythical 59. His round included six birdies and an eagle, leaving him at 14 under for the tournament and three clear of Viktor Hovland, Akshay Bhatia, and Eric Cole.
Only three players in PGA Tour history have broken 60, and none have ever posted a 59 in a standard event. Scheffler’s assault on the scoreboard came amid ideal conditions: firm greens, light winds, and a layout tailor-made for aggressive play. He started the day three back but ripped through the front nine in five under, including a 25-foot birdie at the par-4 3rd and an eagle at the par-5 6th.
The back nine saw him add four more birdies, capped by a clutch two-putt at the 18th to seal the round. By the time Scheffler signed his card, the leaderboard had reshaped itself. 2, lurked at 11 under after a 67, while Bhatia and Cole sat tied at 10 under with rounds of 65.
The gap between Scheffler and the chasing pack wasn’t just sizeable—it was psychological. PGA Tour veterans noted that when Scheffler goes low, the tournament is usually over. Scheffler’s performance also underscores his dominance in 2024.
With two PGA Tour wins already this season, including the Masters, he’s solidified his position as the player to beat. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure—evidenced by his 14 under-par rounds this year—has made him a force that opponents struggle to match. The Travelers Championship could mark his third win, further cementing his status as golf’s undisputed kingpin.
Historically, TPC River Highlands has been a course where low scores are possible, but Scheffler’s 62 stands out even here. The course, known for its risk-reward holes, has seen its share of fireworks, but a 59 remains elusive. Scheffler’s near-miss highlights not just his skill but also the course’s potential to yield something extraordinary.
If he maintains this form, the weekend could see him not only win but also etch his name into golf’s history books. The psychological edge Scheffler carries into tournaments now extends beyond his own performance. His mere presence in the field forces competitors to adjust their strategies before they even tee off.
Rivals like Hovland and Bhatia, both ranked inside the top 10, have admitted that Scheffler’s form makes them rethink their approach to risk management and shot selection. This mental pressure is the intangible that separates greatness from the rest—Scheffler doesn’t just play better; he makes everyone else play differently. Scheffler’s 62 at TPC River Highlands also fits a broader trend in modern golf, where technology and course conditions have combined to produce historically low scores.
The PGA Tour’s shift toward faster greens and more accommodating layouts has blurred the lines between "good" and "elite" rounds. Yet even in this environment, Scheffler’s ability to convert pressure into precision sets him apart. His rounds of 62 and 63 this season aren’t just outliers; they’re proof that the gap between him and the field is widening.
“He’s playing a different game right now,” said caddie Ted Scott. “The numbers don’t lie. ” What’s next: Scheffler eyes a third PGA Tour win of the season this weekend.
A round of 59 would make history—and likely end the tournament early. Read at NewsData.io
Why this matters
Golf’s rarest numbers carry outsized weight. A 59 isn’t just a score; it’s a statement. When Scheffler threatens it, he doesn’t just lead a tournament—he redefines what’s possible. His dominance at TPC River Highlands isn’t just statistical; it’s a reminder that the world No. 1 isn’t just the best right now—he’s playing a different sport. The psychological ripple effect of his performances forces competitors to question their own limits, reshaping the competitive landscape before they even step on the course.
Frequently asked
Has anyone ever shot a 59 in a PGA Tour event?
No. Three players have broken 60—Al Geiberger (1977), Chip Beck (1991), and Branden Grace (2012)—but a 59 has never been posted in a standard PGA Tour event.
How many strokes did Scheffler lead by after Round 2?
Scheffler led by three strokes after his second-round 62, sitting at 14 under for the tournament.
Who are the players tied for second after Round 2?
Viktor Hovland, Akshay Bhatia, and Eric Cole are tied at 11 under after Round 2, each three strokes behind Scheffler.
What’s the course rating and slope for TPC River Highlands?
TPC River Highlands is rated 72.1/132 from the back tees for PGA Tour events.
How many rounds under par has Scheffler posted this season?
Scheffler has posted 14 rounds under par in 2024, including his second-round 62 at the Travelers Championship.
How often has Scheffler led a PGA Tour event after two rounds this year?
Scheffler has led or co-led a PGA Tour event after two rounds in four of his last five starts, a streak that underscores his consistency at the top.
