However, world number one Scheffler looked imperious, chipping in from a bunker for a birdie on the 12th hole and sending his tee shot on the 16th inside three feet to set up another.
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox had a sensational start, shooting five under for his front nine but dropped two shots on the back nine to finish four off the lead.
England’s 2022 US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick birdied all three holes that make up Amen Corner – the 11th, 12th and 13th – as he moved to four under, but had three bogeys in his final five holes as he signed for a one-under 71.
His European Ryder Cup team-mate Viktor Hovland raced to four under after nine holes but a double bogey on the 10th checked the Norwegian’s progress as he also shot a 71.
Despite the blustery wind strengthening as the day reached its climax, Nicolai Hojgaard battled to five under after 15 holes, while Max Homa reached four under after 13 and England’s Tyrrell Hatton three under with four to play.
Source Agencies
