Xander Schauffele narrowed Scottie Scheffler’s lead to two shots at the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship after carding a seven-under 63 in the second round at East Lake, Atlanta on Friday.
Just the top 30 players in the PGA Tour standings qualified for the $75m event, where the winner will claim $18m, with second place receiving $6.5m and last place taking home $500,000.
Schauffele started the day five shots behind Scheffler but hit six birdies before holing a putt for an eagle on the final hole to cut his compatriot’s lead. World number one Scheffler leads on 19 under after following up his opening 65 with a 66.
Scheffler said: “I’m happy only making one bogey. I’ve kept the ball in position for the most part. Had a couple bad swings off the tee, but other than that I’ve given myself a lot of looks and I’m playing good.”
Schauffele said: “I’ve got to keep my head down. Scottie’s playing really boring, solid golf. He’s doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing to keep the lead. I have to stay patient.”
Max Homa hit the round of the tournament so far with an eight-under 62, the lowest score at the PGA Tour’s season finale since Zach Johnson shot a third-round 60 in 2007, while Jon Rahm equalled Schauffele’s seven under, moving the Spaniard up to third. Patrick Cantley is in fourth on 12 under after a second round 66.
Rory McIlroy matched his first-round 67 to improve to seventh place on 10 under, while Matt Fitzpatrick, who shot a six-under 64 on Thursday, signed for a 71 to drop back to seven under and a share of 11th.