Scheffler sunk a short par putt on the last hole to secure the victory and was able to offer the first smile of the day.
On the eighth hole, world number one Scheffler, who had a seven-way lead for a while, made a socket (hit at the bottom of the shaft) and the ball went the wrong way. The American’s lead was down to two strokes after the bogey while partner Collin Morikawa made a birdie: -25 to -23.
During the temporary slump at East Lake Golf Club, Scheffler made three bogeys in four holes.
Instead of getting nervous, Scheffler made three straight birdies between holes nine and eleven and moved out to a five-stroke lead and was back in full control. He drew applause when he sunk an eagle putt on the 14th hole.
– I had some momentum at the seventh and eighth but then he made three straight birdies. Making three birdies in a row after the socket shot shows what he’s made of, says Morikawa.
Results PGA Tour Finals in Atlanta:
1) Scottie Scheffler, USA, –30 (65-66-66-67)
2) Collin Morikawa, USA, – 26 (66-63-67-66)
3) Sahith Theegala, USA, – 24 (67-66-66-64)
16) Ludvig Åberg, Sweden, –12 (71-68-68-70)
They started the final weekend with bonus rounds from previous competitions.