Scottie Scheffler’s performance at the BMW Championship in St. Louis was unremarkable by his own standards, ending with his 13th bogey of the week. However, it was an extraordinary ordeal considering his health condition.
On Thursday, Scheffler declined interviews, stating, “I’m sick.” By Sunday, he provided more insight, revealing he was afflicted with hand, foot, and mouth disease, which caused painful blisters. “To start the week it was pretty painful to grip the club,” Scheffler commented, acknowledging his decision not to withdraw might have been unwise despite his initial momentum.
Fresh from an eight-shot victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Scheffler’s timing was impeccable for the PGA Tour season’s conclusion. Despite knowing he was guaranteed the No. 1 spot in the FedEx Cup rankings through the BMW Championship, earning a $23 million bonus, Scheffler’s stubbornness prevailed. “I’ve never been one to ever pull out of a tournament,” he lamented. “That’s really frustrating for me.”
Reflecting on his resilience and fighting spirit, Scheffler expressed, “I’m proud of how I fought.” Though his throat remained sore, his hands had started to heal. Even post the three bogeys, the only mistake he made was almost shaking hands with Cameron Young as he felt nearly normal.
Scheffler managed a series of three consecutive birdies, briefly entering the top 10 before ending with a bogey from the fairway bunker. Over the week, he hit only 65% of greens. “I felt better as the week went on,” he said. Scheffler recounted getting sick Monday night, calling this the most frustrating aspect.
Overall, despite feeling better as days passed, Scheffler’s energy waned under the influence of adrenaline and heat. “I’m still not 100% now, but I’ll get some rest now and hopefully that will help,” Scheffler hoped.