CROMWELL, Conn. – World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler unleashed a scorching 8-under 62 to seize a share of the first-round lead at the 2025 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands, matching Austin Eckroat atop a star-studded leaderboard.
The defending champion dazzled with four birdies in his first six holes and a jaw-dropping eagle on the par-5 13th, briefly eyeing a sub-60 before closing with a bogey and pars.
Scheffler’s 62, sparked by a pinpoint 236-yard 3-iron to 10 feet on the 13th, outshone the field’s average by eight strokes in gusty conditions.
“That 3-iron I hit in there was really nice,” Scheffler said. “It was pretty much exactly what I was trying to do. It was kind of one where I had to hit it really solid in order to get it there with the water short, and I just did pretty much exactly what I wanted to, and it felt nice.”
Scheffler’s 62 was his lowest score in 19 rounds at the popular Pete Dye track, underscoring his hunger to repeat his 2024 playoff victory over Tom Kim.
Eckroat, meanwhile, played to 5 under over his final six holes, highlighted by a 35-foot eagle putt on No. 13.
“I wasn’t fearing the left ball today, which is huge, and then whenever you’re feeling comfortable with other things, other things start to fall in line,” said Eckroat, a two-time PGA Tour winner, who’s struggled this season.
“Felt great over the putter, and just a really solid day, and I felt confident, which it was nice to feel that this season. It’s been a while.”
Eckroat and Scheffler lead a star-packed field, with Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Wyndham Clark two shots back at 6-under 64. Cameron Young was one further back on 5 under, while Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood and Jason Day were among eight players at 4-under.
As the final signature event of 2025 unfolds, Scheffler’s opening-round statement sets the stage for a thrilling weekend. With softer conditions expected, low scores could define the chase for the $3.6 million top prize.
