Scottie Scheffler produced a moment of magic on the 17th hole to clinch the BMW Championship, chipping in from 82 feet for birdie on his way to a two-stroke victory over Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.
The world No 1 signed for a three-under-par 67 at Caves Valley to finish on 15-under 265, overturning a four-shot deficit at the start of the day.
Already a double Major winner this season, Scheffler’s triumph was his fifth of the year, making him the first player since Tiger Woods in 2006-07 to post five or more wins in back-to-back seasons.
The two-time Masters champion also tightened his grip as favourite heading into next week’s Tour Championship, where he will attempt to become the first back-to-back FedEx Cup winner.
Scheffler admitted his bold chip-in at the par-three 17th was decisive.
“Any time you hole a chip like that it’s pretty nice,” he said. “It looked good when it landed, it looked good when it was rolling and it was nice to see that one go in.”
The American had earlier mixed birdies at the 1st, 5th, 7th and 15th with bogeys at the 3rd, 12th and 14th, but showed trademark composure under pressure to finish strongly.
MacIntyre, chasing a wire-to-wire victory, faltered early with three bogeys in his opening five holes. The Scot rallied with a birdie at the 16th to pull within one, but Scheffler’s brilliance at 17 ended the contest.
“I got off to an absolutely horrific start,” said MacIntyre. “I felt great going out, but it just didn’t happen for me.”
Scheffler extended his streak of sub-par rounds on the PGA Tour to 17 and credited his relentless approach.
“I think it has a lot to do with the intensity I bring to each round. I try not to take days off, or shots off. At this time of year it can be tiring, but today was a grind.”
The BMW Championship was the second FedEx Cup Playoff event, with the top 30 advancing to East Lake. England’s Harry Hall secured the final qualifying spot, edging out US Open champion Lucas Glover.
Meanwhile, the Ryder Cup picture became clearer as Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau all confirmed their automatic places for Team USA at Bethpage Black next month.
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Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Article Link: Scheffler’s stunning chip secures BMW Championship