Scottie Scheffler Fires Course-Record 61 to Take Commanding Lead at WM Phoenix Open

Scottie Scheffler produced one of the finest rounds of golf in recent PGA Tour memory on Friday afternoon, carding a bogey-free 61 at TPC Scottsdale that shattered the previous tournament record and gave him a commanding four-stroke lead heading into the weekend at the WM Phoenix Open. The world No. 1s scintillating performance included 10 birdies and an eagle, with the raucous Phoenix crowds providing a deafening soundtrack to one of the most electric rounds in tournament history.

Schefflers round began quietly with routine pars on the opening three holes before he ignited with back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth. The fireworks truly began on the par-5 13th hole, his fourth of the day, where he holed a 40-foot eagle putt that sent the infamous 16th hole grandstand into early celebration mode. From that point forward, the 29-year-old Texan was virtually unstoppable, finding birdie on six of his final eight holes to close out a round that will be remembered as one of the greatest in Phoenix Open history.

The previous tournament record of 62 had been shared by multiple players, including Grant Waite in 1996 and Phil Mickelson in 2013. Schefflers demolition of that mark came despite challenging afternoon wind conditions that had several other contenders struggling to break par. His precision with his irons was particularly impressive, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation while averaging just 12 feet on his approach shots throughout the round.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Schefflers performance was his composure under pressure as word of his potential record-breaking round spread through the galleries. Playing in front of an estimated 25,000 spectators who had packed every available viewing area around the closing holes, he displayed the mental fortitude that has made him the games top player. His 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to secure the 61 was struck with the confidence of a player completely in control of his game.

The performance puts Scheffler in pole position to claim his second Phoenix Open title, having previously won at TPC Scottsdale in 2022. His four-shot lead over closest pursuer Tony Finau represents the largest 36-hole advantage in tournament history, and historical data suggests that players leading by four or more strokes after two rounds go on to win approximately 68% of the time on the PGA Tour.

With ideal weather conditions forecasted for the weekend and Scheffler showing no signs of slowing down, golf fans around the world will be tuning in to see if the Masters champion can maintain his torrid pace and potentially challenge the PGA Tour single-round scoring record of 58. Regardless of what happens over the final two days, Fridays round of 61 will long be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 PGA Tour season.