World number one Scottie Scheffler delivered a masterclass in golf this weekend, storming to his first PGA Tour win of the year with a record-tying performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas.

Scheffler, 28, matched the PGA Tour’s all-time 72-hole scoring record of 253—joining an elite group that includes Justin Thomas (2017 Sony Open) and Ludvig Åberg (2023 RSM Classic). He shattered the previous CJ Cup record of 259 set a decade ago, finishing the tournament an astonishing 31-under par, eight strokes ahead of South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen.

“It’s very special,” Scheffler said, visibly emotional after closing with a final-round 63. “This tournament is part of my roots. I grew up watching it, and I even made my PGA debut here. To win it like this, at home, is something I’ll never forget.”

Born and raised in Texas, Scheffler stayed in his own home throughout the tournament week. With family in the crowd—including his wife and infant son, Bennett—the moment carried deep personal significance.

“This course, this tournament—it’s all so familiar. My sister caddied for me in my first appearance here. Now she’s a mother and was in the crowd today. I was just a high schooler dreaming of playing on tour. Now, I’ve won this tournament with my family around me. That’s overwhelming in the best way,” he said.

Scheffler’s dominance was never in doubt. Entering the final round with an eight-shot lead, he held off all challengers with ease. His only misstep came late in the day—a bogey on the par-three 17th and a par on the 18th kept him from breaking the PGA scoring record outright.

Even so, the achievement didn’t go unnoticed. Justin Thomas, the first player to set the record, humorously messaged CBS analysts mid-round, urging: “Tell Scottie to just make bogey-par and tie my 72-hole record, please … 31-under is just fine.”

This marks Scheffler’s 14th PGA Tour title and underscores his consistent dominance in recent seasons. Yet this particular win, his first of 2025, may be the most meaningful.

“I never really imagined getting this far,” Scheffler said, reflecting on his journey. “As a kid, I’d stand behind the ropes just hoping to hit a shot on this course one day. I used to watch the pros hit those fresh range balls and think, ‘I just want to be one of them.’ That dream came true—and winning here, with all that behind me, means more than I can explain.”

Scheffler had skipped last year’s CJ Cup to be with his wife for the birth of their son. Holding Bennett during Sunday’s celebration, the usually composed champion fought back tears.

“This is more than a trophy. It’s a full circle moment for my family and for the young version of me who used to stand here dreaming,” he said.

With this record-tying performance, Scheffler once again solidifies his place at the top of men’s golf—not just with precision and power, but with a grounded sense of purpose and gratitude.


By WafricNews Desk.