CROMWELL, Conn. – Scotty Schaeffler bashed four of the first six holes on his way to the 8-under 62 on Thursday, sharing the lead with Austin Eckroth at the Travelers Championship.
After shooting 30 on the front nine, Schaeffler faced a 236-yard approach in par 5 13th place, 10 feet away, 3 irons over the pond up to the pin on the right. He made an eagle putt.
“That three iron that I hit there was really great,” Schaeffler said. “It was exactly what I was trying to do, like I had to be really solid to shorten the water and get there.
It was his lowest score in 19 rounds at TPC River Highlands.
Rory McIlroy has a bogeyless 64 and is tied with Ryder Cup captains Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark. Cameron Young, who was in the mix late Sunday at Oakmont’s US Open, was another shotback after starting the round with 25 feet to three putts for a double bogey.
“I managed to avoid Oakmont for four days without double ranges. I zeroed the holes here,” Young said. “Usually, that’s not something you would expect around here.”
Young’s caddy has a stomach virus, and Young handed over the bag to his father, Dave Young.
Two-time PGA Tour winner Eckroat played the final six holes with a 5-under par.
“Today I wasn’t afraid of the left ball. It’s huge and whenever I’m used to other things, there’s something else lined up,” Eckroat said. “It felt better than putters and I had a really solid day. I was confident. It was good to feel this season. It’s been a while.”
US Open Champion JJ Spaun felt tired and the fever didn’t help the cause. Playing with Schaeffler, he was hanging there, taking two chips and two putts, covering a 40-foot bogey finish with a double bogey on No. 12, and a 73 bogey bogey finish.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.