World No.1 Scheffler goes on birdie-blitz in Bahamas

Scottie Scheffler birdied every hole but the par 3s on the front nine at Albany Golf Club to finish his bogey-free round with an eight-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in the Hero World Challenge.

Two months off did nothing to slow the world No.1 who already has eight victories in 2024 and is in position to get another before the end of the year.

Scheffler is at 13-under 131, two ahead of Akshay Bhatia (66) and Justin Thomas (67), both of whom had to save par on the 18th hole to stay in range going into the weekend.

Scheffler started with a lob wedge to two feet for birdie and never slowed until after he went out in 29 to seize control of the holiday tournament against a 20-man field. Scheffler cooled slightly on the back nine, except it didn't feel that way to him.

"Front nine, just things were going my way. Back nine, maybe not as much," Scheffler said. "A couple shots could end up closer to the hole, a couple putts go in, just little things."

Asked if he felt any frustration he didn't take it lower, Scheffler sounded bemused.

"I think in this game a lot of y'all are looking for perfection out of us," he said. "Today I shot eight under on the golf course, not something I hang my head about. A lot of good things out there - clean card, bogey-free, eight birdies. Overall, I think I'm pretty pleased."

Thomas felt his 67 was stress-free, particularly the way he was driving the ball. The wind laid down again, rare for the Bahamas, though it is expected to pick up on the weekend.

Thomas wasn't concerned to see Scheffler get off to a hot start, especially with three par 5s on the front nine and a short par 4 that at worst leaves a flip wedge to the green.

"You literally can birdie every hole as soft as the greens are," Thomas said. "He's a great player, a great wedge player, and you have a lot of birdie holes to start. I'm honestly surprised he only shot eight under.

"It's a sneaky course because if you fall asleep on some shots, you can get out of position. But if you're on and focused and really in control of everything - like these last two days with no wind - you can just make so many birdies."

Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley had a 67 and is four behind.

The Tiger Woods-hosted tournament is unofficial but offers world ranking points to all but the bottom three players because of the small field. It's the weakest field in 25 years, but Scheffler as No.1 gives it enough cachet.

Jason Day followed his opening 75 with a 70 to move up one spot to 19th at one over.

The Australian and Frenchman Matthieu Pavon (74-73) at three over are the only players above par.