Despite an impressive first round at the Players Championship, Scottie Scheffler seemed to be wrestling with frustration. The world number one golfer, who has already conquered the TPC Sawgrass course with wins at both the 2023 and 2024 Players Championships, shot a three-under 69 on Thursday. However, his performance, marked by four birdies, 13 pars, and a lone bogey, left him three shots shy of the early leaders, placing him at T20.
During his post-round press conference, Scheffler’s dissatisfaction was palpable. According to Ryan Lavner, speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav, Scheffler responded with notable sarcasm to two specific questions. The first focused on his putting strategy, to which Scheffler retorted, “the hole is about this big and sometimes you are putting from ten feet and it can go here, other times it can go here.” His reply underlined the unpredictable nature of the game, highlighting that there’s no clear formula to sinking putts.
Scheffler’s recent reign over the PGA Tour, marked by seven wins in 2024, has set the bar high. This stellar performance naturally places him in the crosshairs of his competitors and stirs up high expectations for himself as well. As he steps into the 2025 season, following a delay due to hand surgery, Scheffler is expected to replicate his previous successes. His slightly rough start, however, seemed to have triggered a wave of frustration.
Lavner also recalled a second query that seemed to irk Scheffler. The question pertained to the surprisingly soft condition of the TPC Sawgrass course despite abundant sunshine and a bit of wind in the preceding days. Scheffler misinterpreted it as an attempt to create a story around the course conditions, and responded curtly, refusing to “bite on that storyline”. Lavner admitted that while he was merely making conversation, he would have appreciated a more comprehensive response.
The golfing sensation has had a bright kick-off to the 2025 season, but this recent display of annoyance suggests a bit of turbulence beneath the surface. As the Players Championship progresses, it remains to be seen how Scheffler navigates these waves and whether he can once again rise to the top at Ponte Vedra Beach.