Scheffler fires 65 to seize five-shot lead in Tour Championship

WASHINGTON: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, birdied the last three holes to grab a five-stroke lead after Thursday’s first round of the PGA’s season-ending Tour Championship.

The 26-year-old American began the day at 10-under par with a two-shot edge under a staggered start scoring system based on season points.

Scheffler stretched his advantage by firing a five-under par 65 at East Lake in Atlanta, sparked by birdie putts of just over 14 feet at the 16th, 11 feet at 17 and a tap-in at the par-5 18th after driving the green in two.

“I felt like I played good all day and I was only two under so to get those last three birdies at the end was definitely some icing on the cake,” Scheffler said.

“I played pretty solid. That’s always a good way to finish off the round.”

Scheffler, who hadn’t won a PGA title when the year began, won four in two months capped by his first major title at Augusta National and could cap an incredible season by taking the $18 million FedEx Cup playoff crown.

Xander Schauffele, the Tokyo Olympic winner, was second on 10-under after shooting 66. Schauffele began his round on 6-under, four back of Schauffele.

“It’s easy to get ahead of yourself,” Schauffele said. “It’s a stressful place to play if you’re not on top of your game. I’m just trying to piece some things together for Sunday.”

US Open winner Matthew Fitzpatrick of England was third on 9-under after matching Chile’s Joaquin Niemann for the day’s low round with a 64. The British star closed with an eagle putt from just inside 13 feet to a bogey-free day six shots adrift.

“Bogey-free rounds are pretty much my favorite,” Fitzpatrick said. “A great day. Definitely felt comfortable out there.”

Defending