Sat Dec 07 16:20:00 UTC 2024: **Scheffler Experiments with New Grip, Young Leads Hero World Challenge**
NASSAU, Bahamas – Cameron Young fired a bogey-free 64 to take the early lead at the Hero World Challenge, showcasing impressive short game prowess and leading by two strokes over Justin Thomas. Young, playing his first tournament since the BMW Championship, attributed his success to a renewed focus on fundamentals and a strong short game.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, in his first outing since the Presidents Cup, sits three shots back after a 5-under 67. Scheffler debuted a new claw putting grip from inside 20 feet, a technique suggested by his putting coach, Phil Kenyon. While he admitted to missing some short putts, Scheffler expressed satisfaction with his improved stroke and the feel of the new grip. He sees this as a successful experiment to improve his putting, a facet of his game he’s been actively working on to enhance his already impressive skill set.
Justin Thomas, playing in his first competition since the birth of his daughter, also experimented with a longer-than-usual 46-inch driver, adding distance to his drives. He finished the round strongly with four consecutive birdies, ending just short of a fifth.
Other notable performances included Patrick Cantlay, Ludvig Åberg, Akshay Bhatia, and Sahith Theegala, all carding 67s. Jason Day struggled, finishing with a 75. The tournament continues, with players looking to capitalize on the favorable conditions in the Bahamas.
First Piper 