PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler builds big lead over Xander Schauffele at season-ending Tour Championship

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler took a commanding lead at the season-ending Tour Championship, positioning himself seven shots ahead of Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa after the opening round at East Lake.

Scheffler, who is eyeing his first FedExCup title, overcame a bogey on the first hole and surged ahead with a round-of-the-day 65, highlighted by seven birdies, including five in his last seven holes.

Schauffele, with a one-under 70, and Morikawa, thanks to a back-nine surge of six consecutive birdies, are tied in second place. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy’s quest for a record fourth FedExCup

victory got off to a challenging start, leaving him ten strokes behind Scheffler. The competition continues, with Scheffler firmly in control and poised to claim the $25 million prize.