Tiger Woods Leads at Tour Championship with Henley Close Behind, Scheffler Two Back in Play-offs

henley’s Stunning Performance and Scheffler‘s Consistency Highlight Tour Championship First Round

August 21, 2025, 07:24 PM ET

Atlanta,Georgia – Russell Henley delivered a impressive opening round at East Lake Golf Club on Thursday,carding a 9-under 61 to seize the early lead in the Tour Championship. World Number One Scottie Scheffler followed closely behind with a 63, demonstrating his consistent form as the season-ending FedEx Cup competition began.

Henley’s impressive score was built on exceptional putting, one-putting six of his last seven holes and sinking three birdie putts from beyond 40 feet. The performance marks a significant moment in his career as he challenges for the coveted FedEx Cup.

Scheffler continued his run of exceptional golf, maintaining his accuracy and composure. His round of 63, two strokes lower than his previous best at East Lake, underscores his status as a top contender.

mcilroy’s Dramatic Finish and Weather Interruption

The day also featured a memorable moment from Rory McIlroy, who found himself in a challenging situation on the 18th hole. After hitting a bunker shot over the green and into the grandstands, he remarkably chipped back onto the green and secured a birdie.

Just as Scheffler completed his round with a crucial birdie putt, a severe thunderstorm forced an evacuation of the course. The dramatic finish added to the excitement of the opening day.

Leaderboard and Competition

the Tour Championship boasts a $40 million purse, with all 30 competing players starting with an equal opportunity to win. only two players finished the first round above par, indicating the favorable scoring conditions created by recent rainfall and the permission to lift, clean, and place golf balls.

Henley attributed his success to the soft course conditions and his exceptional putting,stating he sank approximately 207 feet of putts during the round. Despite leading in strokes gained putting (+5.36), he was last in driving distance (289.8 yards).

Player	Score	Strokes Gained Putting	Driving Distance (Yards)
Russell Henley	61	+5.36	289.8
Scottie Scheffler	63	+2.12	305.2
Rory McIlroy	67	+1.88	310.5

Did You Know? East Lake Golf Club has hosted the Tour Championship 17 times, making it one of the most frequent venues for the event.

Ryder Cup Implications

Several players seeking to secure a spot on the Ryder Cup team also competed.Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Patrick Cantlay, all outside the automatic qualifying spots, are considered strong contenders for captain’s picks.

Morikawa expressed his desire to earn a captain’s pick, emphasizing his focus on winning the tournament. Cantlay and Thomas are also viewed as potential additions to the team.

Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre also posted strong scores of 66, continuing their impressive seasons. macintyre, looking forward to a potential return to Scotland, spoke about adjusting to the heat in recent tournament locations. He reflected on his experience at Caves Valley last week and his determination to improve his interaction with the crowd.

The FedEx Cup and Tour Championship Format

The FedEx Cup is the season-ending championship of the PGA Tour. The Tour Championship features the top 30 players in the FedEx cup standings. The unique starting stroke play format awards players with strokes based on their FedEx Cup ranking, providing a dynamic and competitive finish.This system ensures that the entire season’s performance is considered when determining the champion.

The FedEx Cup winner receives a $18 million bonus and a five-year exemption on the PGA tour. The competition has become a focal point of the professional golf season, adding a layer of drama and excitement to the concluding events.

Pro Tip: Course management is key at East Lake. Players who can accurately position their shots and avoid trouble will have a significant advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the FedEx Cup? The FedEx Cup is the season-ending championship for the PGA Tour, culminating in the Tour Championship.
• How does the Tour Championship scoring work? Players start with a stroke play format, but their scores are adjusted based on their FedEx Cup standings.
• Who is currently leading the Tour Championship? Russell Henley is currently leading after the first round with a score of 61.
• What impact does the Tour Championship have on Ryder Cup selection? Performance at the Tour Championship can influence the Ryder Cup captain’s picks.
• what are the weather conditions like at East Lake? Recent rainfall has softened the course, allowing players to lift, clean and place their golf balls.

What do you think will be the deciding factor in this year’s Tour Championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

what is the significance of the staggered scoring system in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and how might it impact the final outcome of the Tour championship?

The Thrilling Race for the FedEx Cup

The atmosphere at East Lake Golf Club is electric as Tiger Woods holds a narrow lead at the 2025 Tour championship. This marks a notable moment in his comeback journey, fueling speculation about a potential 83rd PGA Tour victory. Following closely is russell Henley, just one stroke behind, while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler lurks two shots back, making for a captivating final round in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Current Leaderboard & Key Performances

As of late afternoon on August 22nd, 2025, the top five leaderboard reads:

Tiger Woods: -12

Russell Henley: -11

Scottie Scheffler: -10

Rory McIlroy: -9

Xander Schauffele: -8

Woods’ performance has been characterized by remarkable precision off the tee and clutch putting, reminiscent of his prime.Henley, known for his consistent ball-striking, has kept pace with a string of birdies. Scheffler, despite a slightly slower start to the tournament, is poised to make a move with his extraordinary iron play.

Analyzing Woods’ Resurgence: A Comeback Story

This isn’t just about a tournament lead; it’s about witnessing a legend defy expectations. Woods’ recent struggles with injuries have been well-documented. His current form suggests a refined approach to course management and a renewed focus on minimizing errors.

improved Physical Conditioning: Reports indicate Woods has significantly strengthened his core and leg muscles, crucial for maintaining stability throughout the swing.

Strategic Course Management: Woods is opting for a more conservative strategy, prioritizing accuracy over distance, notably on challenging holes.

Putting Prowess: His short game remains arguably the best in the world,consistently saving par and capitalizing on birdie opportunities.

Henley’s Challenge: Can He Overcome Woods?

Russell Henley’s consistent performance throughout the season has earned him a strong position in the FedEx Cup standings.He’s a player who thrives under pressure, and his ability to maintain composure will be key to challenging Woods.

ball-Striking Statistics: Henley consistently ranks among the top players on tour in greens in regulation and proximity to the hole.

Mental Fortitude: He’s known for his calm demeanor and ability to bounce back from setbacks.

Past Performances: Henley has a solid track record in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Scheffler’s Pursuit: the World No. 1 in Contention

Scottie Scheffler, despite being two strokes back, remains a formidable threat. His ball-striking is unparalleled, and his ability to read greens is exceptional.

Iron Play Dominance: Scheffler leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach shots, consistently giving himself birdie opportunities.

Putting Consistency: While not his strongest suit,Scheffler’s putting has improved significantly in recent months.

FedEx Cup Ranking: Scheffler currently holds a high position in the FedEx Cup standings, meaning a strong finish could secure the overall title.

The Impact of the Starting Strokes

The tour Championship utilizes a staggered starting stroke format based on FedEx Cup standings. This adds a unique layer of complexity to the competition. Players higher in the standings begin with a lower score, creating a dynamic where the overall FedEx Cup champion isn’t necessarily the one who shoots the lowest 72-hole total. This year’s format has been a point of discussion among players and fans alike, with some arguing it favors those already at the top of the standings.

East Lake Golf Club: A Challenging Test

east Lake Golf Club is a demanding course known for its narrow fairways, challenging greens, and strategic bunkering. The course requires precision and accuracy, rewarding players who can control their ball and make smart decisions. The undulating greens demand exceptional putting skills, and the pressure of the FedEx Cup Playoffs adds another layer of difficulty.

Key Stats to Watch in the Final Round

Greens in Regulation: A crucial indicator of ball-striking performance.

Putting Average: Measuring efficiency on the greens.

Scrambling Percentage: Reflecting a player’s ability to save par from tough positions.

Strokes Gained: Approach the Green: Identifying players who are consistently gaining strokes with their iron play.

* Birdie Conversion Rate: Showing how effectively players are capitalizing on scoring opportunities.