Scheffler impresses at Tour Championship with 1,000 billion prize money

Highlights of round 1 of the 2025 Tour Championship. Source: PGA Tour

Round 1 of the 2025 Tour Championship – the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs – at East Lake Golf Club got off to a dramatic start.

Once again, Scottie Scheffler proves why he is world number 1 and the strongest candidate for this year's FedExCup title.

Scheffler finished the day with a score of -7 (63 strokes), continuing his impressive streak: 18 consecutive rounds of under 70 strokes - a rare achievement at the PGA Tour level.

This “full 60s” streak (referring to rounds of 60-69 strokes) not only demonstrates stability, but also demonstrates the terrifying control and explosiveness of the reigning FedExCup champion.

Image Images - Scheffler Tour Championship.jpg — Scheffler maintains stable performance. Photo: Imagn Images

Not only that, this was the 16th round that Scheffler shot 63 or less in the last four PGA Tour seasons – a feat that no one else has matched.

However, Scheffler is not the leader after the first round of the 2025 Tour Championship.

That honor belongs to Russell Henley, who had an excellent round with an eagle on hole 6, along with 7 birdies and no bogeys to score −9 (61 strokes), temporarily leading the rankings.

Despite not receiving much attention before the tournament, Henley is creating a big surprise and putting himself in the title race.

Behind, Rory McIlroy – a name always expected at the Tour Championship – also had a pretty good opening round with −4 (66 strokes).

Although he has not made a strong breakthrough, McIlroy still maintains his position in the competitive group and promises to make a strong comeback in the following rounds.

One notable point of this year’s tournament is the change in the competition format. There is no longer a staggered start system like previous years, the 30 golfers participating all start at even par, creating a fairer and more exciting race.

This year’s prize fund is up to 40 million USD – about 1,052 billion VND. The winner receives 10 million USD. The lowest level in the top 5 is 2.5 million USD.

This makes the 2025 Tour Championship a truly open tournament, where actual form rather than previous FedEx ranking position determines everything.

Due to poor weather conditions, the second round matches will be moved up two hours. Russell Henley and Scheffler are the final pair.