Scheffler is grouped with Viktor Hovland, the two-time defending champion, for the first two rounds. Hovland, who shot a matching 6-under 65, went on a heater after making the turn – firing a 6-under 30 for his second nine holes.

Scheffler said although “for the most part” he was trying to stay in his own zone, it was good to see Hovland score well.  

“It’s nice when you’re on the golf course and you can see other players hitting really good shots,” said Scheffler. “I think that’s good kind of momentum for the group, when somebody starts playing well, the other guys can kind of feed off of it sometimes.”

With a win or solo second this week, Scheffler will return to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking. FedExCup champ Rory McIlroy reclaimed the top spot with his triumph at THE CJ CUP in South Carolina.

But Scheffler still has 54 holes left before he can think about getting back to No. 1. He’s relaxing this week after a long season that featured four wins and PGA TOUR Player of the Year honors. He took a Mexican cooking class Wednesday night with his wife Meredith, plus Max McGreevy and his fiancé.

“I’ll get by,” Scheffler said about his cooking skills. “Last night was fun having them show us what to do.” 

Scheffler’s putting has been a question mark since his Masters triumph (he’s lost strokes on the greens in seven of his nine starts since then) but he said he had “solid” putts at THE CJ CUP, despite a T45 result, and more solid putts today – only needing 26.

“Solid golf is fun. Stress-free,” said Scheffler. “If you can keep the ball in play, the golf course is gettable.”

So, too, is the No. 1 ranking.