Scottie Scheffler’s BMW Championship Nightmare: Back Injury Threatens His Game After Painful Round
Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 golfer and two-time Masters champion, experienced a concerning moment during the BMW Championship on Thursday that left fans and analysts on edge. After hitting his second shot into the par-5 17th green at Castle Pines, Scheffler was visibly in distress. He reached for his lower back and bent over, clearly in pain. This incident has reignited discussions about his ongoing battle with injuries.
Scheffler’s injury troubles this season have been well-documented, with the most notable issue being his neck, which he struggled with earlier in the year at the Players Championship. During that event, despite being in contention, he was seen receiving medical treatment on multiple occasions. This allowed him to continue competing, showcasing his resilience despite his physical setbacks.
In addition to his recent neck issues, Scheffler’s history of injuries includes a significant back problem from 2022. His coach, Randy Smith, disclosed that Scheffler suffered from a large abscess at the base of his tailbone, which nearly forced him to withdraw from the Open Championship at St. Andrews. Despite this painful condition, Scheffler managed to compete, although he finished in a tie for 21st place after a tough final round.
Fast forward to this season, and it seems Scheffler is again grappling with physical discomfort, this time in his lower back. Following his first-round 71 at the BMW Championship, Scheffler reassured the public that his back was “fine.” However, he admitted to experiencing soreness that morning, which made his round more challenging. Scheffler described his struggle, noting that his tight back affected his ability to swing freely, particularly when attempting a high draw shot on the 17th hole. Despite the discomfort, he managed to finish the day at one under par.
When questioned about whether this back issue was a problem during last week’s event in Memphis, Scheffler dismissed it, attributing the soreness to possibly hitting too many balls during practice. He remained optimistic about his recovery, stating that he would use ice and other treatments to ensure he would be in better shape for the next round.
Scheffler will have a chance to recover and manage his back issues with some extra time before his Friday tee time. He is scheduled to tee off at 11:20 a.m. MDT, paired with Xander Schauffele. Schauffele is the only player who could potentially surpass Scheffler in the FedEx Cup standings with a win this week in Colorado.
As Scheffler navigates his injury concerns and the demanding conditions of the BMW Championship, fans and analysts will be closely monitoring his performance and recovery. Despite the setback, Scheffler’s determination and skill remain evident, and his ability to overcome physical challenges continues to be a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.