ATLANTA — Even Scottie Scheffler had to break out into a broad smile after watching his playing partner, Rory McIlroy, convert a 17-foot birdie putt on the home hole at East Lake Golf Club Thursday afternoon. He was rather relieved, too.

Neither Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy started the TOUR Championship with the advantage they would have enjoyed in previous years. That doesn’t mea

McIlroy's greenside bunker shot nearly led to a suspension of play, but a "lucky" break worked in favor of McIlroy and playing competitor Scottie Scheffler.