ST. LOUIS (AP) — Scottie Scheffler wrapped a most ordinary performance by his standards with his 13th bogey of the week in the BMW Championship. Turns out it was a most extraordinary week given his health. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
"I'm sick," Scheffler said while turning down an interview request Thursday. After he closed with a 2-under 68 on Sunday, Scheffler offered a few more details. He said he was dealing with hand, foot and mouth disease that causes blisters.
"So to start the week it was pretty painful to grip the club," he said. "If I was smarter maybe I would have pulled out, but I was playing so good I felt like if I could knock it out quickly and just get through the first couple rounds I would still have a chance."
Scheffler was coming off an eight-shot victory in the FedEx St. Jude Championship and appeared to be hitting his stride at just the right time for the three-week conclusion to the PGA Tour season.
In hindsight, Scheffler said it would have been prudent to pull out with so little at stake. He already was assured of being No. 1 in the FedEx Cup through the BMW Championship, which earned him a $23 million bonus. Seeds don't even matter next week at the Tour Championship because all 30 players who advance only have to win at East Lake.
Scheffler's admission highlights his professional resilience. He chose to continue despite the illness, demonstrating his dedication to the sport. However, he also acknowledged that he wasn't careful enough with his health.
This story has caused a stir in the golf world. Many fans and experts are surprised that Scheffler played in such a condition. His actions have sparked a debate about how athletes approach their health.
Scheffler's performance next week at the Tour Championship will be under special scrutiny. We will see if he has recovered. But his determined play this week once again proved his professional caliber.
The Associated Press published this story under the authorship of Doug Ferguson. Photos were taken by Jeff Roberson.