Winless in 2025, Scheffler Makes Statement at Byron Nelson

McKINNEY, Texas — The question on everyone’s mind this season has been: What’s wrong with Scottie Scheffler? After Thursday’s opening round at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the better question might be: Is the world No. 1 finally ready to return to his winning ways?

Scheffler answered emphatically with a blistering 10-under 61 at TPC Craig Ranch, taking a two-shot lead over Rico Hoey and Jhonattan Vegas in his hometown event. The Dallas native made the turn in 29 and played flawlessly throughout, posting a bogey-free round that included an eagle and eight birdies.

“Jordan and I love playing here. This tournament has meant a lot to us over the years,” said Scheffler, who missed last year’s event for the birth of his son Bennett. “Obviously last year I was missing for some pretty good reasons. I wasn’t too sad about what was going on in my life at the time.”

Searching for That First Win

While Scheffler’s performance might seem like business as usual given his dominance of the past few years, the 13-time PGA Tour winner is still seeking his first victory of 2025 — a surprising drought for a player who amassed 10 wins combined before May over the previous three-year stretch, including two Masters and two Players Championships.

Not that he’s been playing poorly. Scheffler finished fourth as the defending champion at Augusta National last month and has four other top-10 finishes this year. But for a player of his caliber, the absence of trophies has been noticeable.

“I wouldn’t say anxious or eager, anything like that,” Scheffler said of seeking his first victory in 2025. “I got off to a pretty good start today, and there’s three more days of the tournament. Just focused on going home and getting some rest.”

Home Cooking

Playing alongside fellow hometown star and former Texas Longhorn Jordan Spieth (70) and Si Woo Kim (67), who also calls Dallas home, Scheffler put on a show for the local fans. He birdied four consecutive holes on the front nine before adding an eagle at the par-5 ninth to reach 7-under at the turn.

After three consecutive pars to start his back nine, Scheffler pulled even with early clubhouse leader Hoey with a birdie at the 13th, then took the outright lead by sticking his tee shot on the stadium par-3 17th to within three feet.

Six players sit three shots back at 7-under 64, including Cameron Champ, who entered the field as an alternate just 18 hours before his tee time. Defending champion Taylor Pendrith posted a solid 67 as players enjoyed lift, clean and place conditions after heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

Hoey, a 29-year-old from the Philippines seeking his first PGA Tour victory, made a charge with an eagle at 18 triggering an 8-under finish over his final 10 holes.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Scheffler to see if this opening salvo signals his return to the winner’s circle or if his 2025 drought will continue a bit longer.