Scottie Scheffler finally hit the wall

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler hit a wall during the third round of the 2024 PGA Championship, reflecting the wear of a demanding few days and weeks. Saturday was a tough day for Scheffler, but then, they’ve all been tough lately.

Just five weeks ago, Scheffler was leading the Masters after 54 holes. The pressure was immense; no player since Tiger Woods had faced such high expectations. And like Woods, Scheffler rose to the occasion, living up to those expectations.

Four weeks ago, Scheffler led again after 54 holes, this time at the RBC Heritage. Despite the fatigue from his Masters triumph, Scheffler honored his commitment to play. He flew home to Texas to see his expectant wife, Meredith, then headed to Hilton Head, where he played just one nine-hole practice round. “I’ll see the front nine tomorrow when I tee off,” he said.

Two weeks ago, Scheffler was on edge, awaiting the birth of his first child. Meredith could have given birth during the Masters or the RBC Heritage. Finally, on May 8, their son Bennett was born.

At the PGA Championship at Valhalla, Scheffler shot a two-over 73 on Saturday. Starting the day three shots back, he ended it outside the top 20, effectively ending his hopes of extending his winning streak. Over recent months, Scheffler has excelled at the fundamentals of golf, meticulously checking his grip and strategically aiming his shots. “The amount of greens he hits; he wears you out that way,” Tiger Woods said. “Scottie stays in his own world,” Justin Thomas added.

This week, however, the outside world broke in. On Friday, Scheffler was arrested and charged after a “misunderstanding” led to an officer being injured. Scheffler, who thrives on routine, was thrown out of his comfort zone. He spent the morning in jail, shaking uncontrollably. At the course, he tried to calm himself with deep breaths.

Despite the chaos, Scheffler shot a five-under 66 on Friday. But Saturday brought more challenges. He spoke with his lawyer before his round and missed the support of his caddie, Ted Scott, who had left to attend his daughter’s graduation. Scheffler’s game faltered with a par-double bogey-bogey-bogey start, making uncharacteristic mistakes due to exhaustion.

“I fought as hard as I could,” Scheffler told CBS after his round. Known for his relentless work ethic, Scheffler knows how to tackle problems by trying harder. “If you’re missing your jump shot, you need to practice your jump shots more. If I’m missing putts, then I need to practice my putting more,” he said earlier this year.

However, the solution for Scheffler now is not more practice but a break. He has earned it.