Hero World Challenge: Scottie Scheffler three shots behind Cameron Young after round one in Tiger Woods-hosted event

Scottie Scheffler, back for first time since September, shoots five-under 67 at Hero World Challenge with new putting grip; world No 1 trails leader Cameron Young by three strokes, with Justin Thomas two back in second – watch round two on Sky Sports Golf, 6.30pm, Friday

Cameron Young secured a two-shot lead after round one of the Hero World Challenge with defending champion Scottie Scheffler three back in his first competitive outing since September.

Young carded a blemish-free, eight under 64 in the unofficial PGA Tour tournament in the Bahamas, which Scheffler won last year by three stokes from Sepp Straka to scoop $1m (£800,000).

Scheffler – who last played at the Presidents Cup in Montreal a little over two months ago – shot a five-under 67 at the Tiger Woods-hosted event as he experimented with a new saw putting grip.

The world No 1 birdied three of his last five holes to sit in a five-way share of third place, with Justin Thomas Young’s nearest challenger on six under after six gains on his back nine, including four in a row.

Why has Scheffler tinkered with putting grip?

Scheffler is seeking his ninth worldwide title of a stellar 2024, after seven wins on the PGA Tour – Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players, The Masters, RBC Heritage, Memorial Tournament, Travelers Championship, Tour Championship – as well as Olympic gold in Paris.

The 28-year-old said of his saw grip: “I am always looking for little ways to improve. We figured this is a good week to try things out.

“I think there are some benefits for me in my putting stroke – that grip works versus my older grip, so I am doing a little bit of testing. That is how I would describe it.

“The longer putts I did with my old grip as I have a better feel for the speed. The closer I get to the hole I can do more with the other grip.

“I haven’t had enough time to totally get used to it speed-wise and my touch from long range has been pretty good and that’s something I probably don’t want to change very much.”