World No 1 Scottie Scheffler ‘laps field’ to win Arnold Palmer Invitational

It had become easy to forget what a Scottie Scheffler procession looked like. Until now. The world No. 1 was without a win – thanks largely to his efforts – in an official PGA Tour event since last year’s Players Championship, until he decimated the field at this Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Texan’s results include a string of top 10 finishes – plus success at the Hero World Challenge – since leaving Sawgrass 12 months ago, dashing hopes of adding to his trophy collection.

On the brink of his player return, Scheffler led a happy dance for the rest of the Bay Hill draw. He started the day tied with his playing partner Shane Lowry. By the time Scheffler holed from 30 feet for birdie on the 15th, his lead was six. Lowry could only watch in awe. “There are probably only a few players in the world who can live with him playing like that,” he said. “I’m not sure I’m one of them.”

Scheffler’s bogey-free 66 gave him a five-shot victory over last year’s US Open winner Wyndham Clark. He is now $4 million (£3.1 million) richer after a second victory over Arnold Palmer and is already the heavy favorite to complete another double at Augusta National next month, having already done so two years ago.

“I know I can putt really well,” the 27-year-old said. “It’s not like I’ve been a bad putter my entire career. I just had a rough patch. Golf looks pretty simple on TV. When you’re on the PGA Tour here, it’s tough. There was a lot of talk about my game and where it was based. So it was nice to come here and perform so well under pressure.”

Lowry deserves credit for his recovery after a shaky start. The Irishman bogeyed the 1st, 2nd and 7th, but was tied for his round when he reached the 17th tee. His 72 was good enough for third place.

Will Zalatoris earned a spot in the Open Championship when he tied for fourth place with Russell Henley. Zalatoris’ return to prominence was exceptional after missing almost a year of competitive action due to back surgery.

Rory McIlroy started day four sitting four shots behind Scheffler. His problems started early; he was five past eight. The Northern Irishman heads to Sawgrass with a 76, his highest score of the week, leaving him outside the top 20.

McIlroy tipped his hat to the champion. “To be as consistent as Scottie is very, very difficult in this game,” he said. “Anyone can win an event here or there or have a good run, but the consistent performances Scottie puts in week in and week out, every time he plays the game, is incredible.

“This is a super tough golf course and to be six under today, go out with the lead and lap the field is super impressive. But we all knew he had this in him. His ball striking is, honestly, on another level compared to everyone else at the moment. We knew if he was going to hole putts, things like this would happen.