Scottie Scheffler demonstrated resilience at the U.S. Open, overcoming a 2-over start at Shinnecock Hills. On Friday, he delivered a 2-under 68 round, pulling himself to even par for the tournament. This performance placed him in a tie for 11th place, seven strokes behind the leader, Wyndham Clark, with two rounds remaining.
If Scheffler clinches victory on Sunday, his 30th birthday, he will become the seventh player to complete the career Grand Slam. Friday showed a marked improvement for Scheffler, ending a streak of 10 U.S. Open rounds without breaking par. Last year, he finished tied for seventh at 4 over par at Oakmont.
Following a discussion with his coach, Randy Smith, on the driving range after Thursday’s play, Scheffler appeared more relaxed. He birdied the 10th hole, his first of the day, having played par there on Thursday despite difficult conditions. When asked about course setup preferences for the weekend, Scheffler replied, “I just play.”
“I had the bogey there on my fourth hole, which was 13, but outside of that, no bogeys,” said Scheffler. “That’s always nice when you’re coming around a U.S. Open golf course.”
Scheffler achieved three birdies and one bogey in the second round, compared to Thursday’s four birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey. His performance on Friday, hitting 12 of 14 fairways and reaching 15 greens in regulation, exemplified his methodical style, which helped him win two Masters, the PGA Championship, and the British Open.
He expressed slight disappointment, missing certain birdie opportunities. Scheffler’s 17-foot birdie putt on No. 2 missed, leaving him hopeful for more. A similar miss on No. 7 followed suit. Nevertheless, Scheffler was satisfied with his play and aimed to continue his form into the next days.
A moment of levity came on No. 4, when his birdie putt stopped short. His caddie, Ted Scott, humorously mimicked the ball’s movement, bringing a smile to Scheffler’s face. Though he encountered a bogey on No. 13 after bunkering an approach shot, he managed to save par on the 17th and avoided further trouble.
“Yesterday was a day in which you could kind of shoot yourself out of the tournament. The conditions were tough,” Scheffler noted. “I had a tough front nine yesterday but battled back nicely. Had another solid day today.”
Scheffler, along with playing partners J.J. Spaun and Mason Howell, faced delays due to slow play from groups ahead. At No. 2, he humorously teased a fan with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, showing his laid-back attitude.
As the tournament continues, Scheffler hopes to build on his consistent form, hoping to secure a career milestone at Shinnecock Hills.