Scheffler Struggles at Oakmont
OAKMONT, Pa. — The U.S. Open started with high hopes for Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer. However, after a long day on the course, he found himself struggling and finished with a 3-over par 73, leaving him seven shots behind the leader, J.J. Spaun.
Reflecting on his performance, Scheffler noted, “I’ve probably got to give myself a few more looks,” referring to missed opportunities for birdie putts during the grueling 5 1/2 hours of play at Oakmont. While he had plenty of chances to assess his game, frustration was evident throughout his round.
On the par-5 12th hole, his drive rolled into the thick rough, a sign of the tough conditions at Oakmont. At the par-3 13th, a missed 6-foot putt left him baffled, and after an unfortunate wedge shot on the par-4 14th, he showed his anger, slamming his club into the ground before regrouping.
Despite his efforts, straightforward mistakes led to bogeys on the par-4 third and par-5 fourth holes, contributing to a disappointing start that tied his worst opening round in a major. Back in 2016, he remarkably shot a 1-under par as a 19-year-old amateur at Oakmont, marking a stark contrast to his current situation.
As Scheffler made his way off the course, he was welcomed by his family, including his young son and wife. The emotional support was clear, but there’s no denying the challenge that Oakmont continues to present, both physically and mentally.
Despite his difficulties, Scheffler remains optimistic about the tournament. He emphasized the importance of playing more sharply in the second round, acknowledging that tough courses often offer scoring opportunities if approached correctly. Historically, he has performed well in earlier rounds, usually positioning himself among the top contenders.
“I’ll clean up some of those mistakes, a couple three-putts and stuff like that,” he stated confidently. Looking ahead, he hopes for a better performance as he prepares to tee off again on Friday morning.
