February 04-07
TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
$7,300,000
Round 1, Round 3, Round 4

Xander Schauffele fired a 64 to take a one-shot lead of the Wste Management Phoenix Open on Friday. He made just one birdie on the front nine to make the turn in 34 but played the back nine in 30 with birdies at the 12th, 13th, 14th and 18th and an eagle at the par-5 15th.

"It was a bit slow at first," said Schauffele. "Kind of saw everyone's name flying up the leaderboard."

Schauffele has been working on his mental approach to tournaments.

“We kind of just realized where I was getting to I think in terms of me just becoming impatient. I feel like I had a sense of urgency when I really didn't need to. I would look back at the week and I was like, ‘Man, why did I kind of jump the gun there? All I had to do was play decent and I would've been right there.' I think it's just a result of pushing and pushing and pushing and having decent results, but not what we really want. I've played well in a calm sort of state of mind, and that's when I've done my best.”

After reminding himself to keep his head down the birdies started coming in.

“Pretty happy with the result,” he said after his round. “I'm going to wake up tomorrow and someone is going to be four shots ahead of me or something like that,” Schauffele said. “I think this is one of those golf courses where no lead is very safe, and you need to really, like I said, keep my head down and stay calm.”

Steve Stricker could become the oldest winner in PGA Tour history if his current form continues into the weekend.

The 53-year-old U.S. Ryder Cup captain currently lies one shot behind the leader after a 5-under 66 on Friday marred only by a bogey after a poor approach at the 9th.

"Just hit an awful iron into the green on No. 9," said Stricker. "But overall a good day."

Stricker, who will turn 54 on the 23rd of this month, won the last of his twelve PGA titles at Kapalua in 2012. Sam Snead is currently the oldest winner at 52 years, 10 months, 8 days.

"I know it's a long shot," said Stricker. "I've got to play my very best, just like anybody else does out here. But you know, I've been there. I've won a few times out on this TOUR and I know what it takes, although it's been a while. It would be fun to see how I handle it if I do get that opportunity."

Jordan Spieth, who hasn't won since the 2017 Open Championship is tied in 8th at 8-under alongside Brooks Koepka and first round co-leader Matthew NeSmith.

"It felt like a 6- or 7-under day, and this is one of the first times I've almost been disappointed shooting 4 under in a round in long time, and that's a good sign," he said. "(Thursday) I shot 4 under, but I got away with murder."