Scheffler closer to FedEx Cup prize

No. 1 seed builds seven-shot lead with five birdies over last seven holes at Tour Championship

- DOUG FERGUSON

X Scottie Scheffler started with a two-shot lead in the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, then went out and had the round of the day Thursday with a 6-under 65.

Scottie Scheffler started the Tour Championship with a two-shot lead based on his dominant season. And then he looked dominant as ever Thursday, posting the day’s best round, a 6-under 65, to build a seven-shot lead and take a huge step toward the FedEx Cup title.

Scheffler had five birdies over his last seven holes on a sweltering afternoon at renovated East Lake to pull away from Xander Schauffele and everyone else.

He made birdie from the bunker on the par-5 18th hole with an eightfoot putt and took his spot in the PGA Tour record book with an asterisk. No one has ever led by seven after 18 holes as far back as the tour keeps such records.

The asterisk is because he was only one shot better than five others Thursday, including Richmond Hill’s Taylor Pendrith, who played the back nine at 5 under. Pendrith started the day nine shots back of Scheffler, and lost a shot despite an eagle on the 18th.