Scottie Scheffler, known for his consistent performance in golf, experienced a rare stumble during the Houston Open on Friday, reminding spectators of his human side.
His round concluded with a disappointing three-putt on the 18th hole from a mere seven feet, resulting in an even-par 70 score. The Texan’s first putt narrowly missed, and he unexpectedly failed to convert the follow-up, resulting in a double bogey six.
This misstep marked the end of Scheffler’s remarkable streak of 28 consecutive rounds under par, a record on the PGA Tour. Additionally, it halted his impressive run of 218 holes without a double bogey or worse, with this being only his second double of the season.
Having opted out of the previous week’s Valspar Championship to recharge after consecutive PGA Tour victories, Scheffler arrived in Houston refreshed but notably without his beard.
Reflecting on his performance, Scheffler attributed the three-putt to mental fatigue, acknowledging it as a lapse in judgment. Despite his frustration, he maintained perspective, recognizing that he remains competitive in the tournament.
Starting his day with a bogey, Scheffler regained momentum on the front nine, securing three birdies. However, challenges emerged on the back nine, resulting in dropped shots on the 11th and 14th holes, although he managed a birdie on the 12th.
Acknowledging the testing conditions, particularly the strong and gusty winds, Scheffler highlighted the difficulty they posed throughout the round. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in his overall game, emphasizing the unpredictability of the wind as a significant factor affecting play.
Statistically, Scheffler’s performance was slightly off his usual standards, with notable declines in fairway accuracy. However, he compensated with strong strokes gained around the green, showcasing his versatility and resilience on the course.
Despite the setback on the 18th green, Scheffler remains in contention for the Houston Open title, trailing the leader and defending champion, Tony Finau, by four shots. Looking ahead, Scheffler aims to refocus and overcome this stumble as he pursues another PGA Tour victory.
