(Scottsdale) Scottie Scheffler retained the lead Saturday at the Phoenix Open, where he is trying to defend his title and regain the world No. 1 ranking.
Last year, Scheffler beat Patrick Cantlay to win his first PGA title.
He has since added victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Match-Play Championship and Masters Tournament, before being named PGA Golfer of the Year.
The second-best golfer in the world played 68 for 200, or 13 under par.
Scheffler is two strokes ahead of Jon Rahm and Canadian Nick Taylor (67).
Rahm also played 68 including three birdies in four holes, courtesy of a 40-foot strike.
Scheffler can take the world No. 1 spot, held by Rory McIlroy, if he wins and McIlroy finishes fourth at best.
It can also happen if he finishes second overall alone, if McIlroy finishes 36e or worse and Rahm doesn’t win.
At 203 are Jordan Spieth (69) and Canadian Adam Hadwin (71).
At 16eHadwin made the birdie after lodging his ball a foot and a half from the hole.