Scottie Scheffler’s caddie gets ‘really sick’ at The Open as he’s forced to lie down on the ground while soldiering on through round two at Royal Troon

Scheffler’s Grit Shines Through Amid Caddie’s Struggles as American Golfers Aim for Historic Grand Slam

Scottie Scheffler is spearheading the American quest for a rare Grand Slam of the Majors, but his path hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite shooting a second consecutive 70, Scheffler had to contend with the absence of his usual support from his friend and caddie, Ted Scott.

 

The world No. 1 maintained his position five shots behind leader Shane Lowry even as Scott battled a severe illness, forcing him to lie flat or sit next to the green while Scheffler putted.

 

“He had a bit of food poisoning or some kind of stomach bug,” Scheffler disclosed. “He didn’t sleep much on Thursday night, and we were uncertain if he could continue this morning, but he toughed it out. It was unusual to see him lying down during the game, but he did a great job under the circumstances.”

 

Scheffler’s situation was further complicated during the ninth hole when Scott was so ill that he had to sit on the tenth tee for 10 minutes while they were putting. Despite this, Scheffler praised his caddie’s resilience and commitment.

 

This year, Scheffler, along with compatriots Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau, has already clinched the first three Majors. A victory for the USA this weekend would mark the first complete sweep since 1982 when Tom Watson, Craig Stadler, and Raymond Floyd dominated the majors.

 

The 28-year-old Masters champion, who was briefly detained at the USPGA in May following a misunderstanding while trying to enter Valhalla Golf Club, climbed up the leaderboard with birdies at 14 and 16, although a late bogey marred his round.

 

“I feel like I’m in a decent position,” Scheffler commented. “I’d prefer to be leading, but I’ve played two solid rounds and will keep focusing on hitting good shots and putts.”

 

While British and Irish players currently lead, a strong contingent of Americans, including Scheffler, is poised to challenge over the weekend. The American presence is bolstered by large groups of fans crossing the Atlantic to Royal Troon, adding to the support.

 

Among the top American players, Billy Horschel (-2), US Open winner Schauffele (-1), and Patrick Cantlay (-1) are all in the top 10. Horschel took advantage of the morning’s calmer conditions to shoot 68, while Schauffele and Cantlay were inspired by playing alongside Tiger Woods. Cantlay, in particular, found motivation in the company of the 15-time Major winner.

 

“Playing with Tiger is always fantastic, especially with my buddy Xander in the group too,” Cantlay said. “Tiger’s competitiveness is contagious, and we had a great time with the crowd.”

 

Other American hopefuls, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Collin Morikawa, ended the round at one over, remaining in contention. Johnson remains optimistic about another American victory despite the challenging conditions.

 

“My wife and a couple of her friends are in Saint-Tropez – I don’t blame her for not liking this weather!” Johnson quipped.

 

However, not all U.S. players had a smooth round. Justin Thomas, who led for much of Monday, stumbled with three double-bogeys in his first five holes. Defending champion Brian Harman struggled as well, dropping shots at holes three, four, and five. DeChambeau faced difficulties too, recovering from a disastrous opening round with a birdie on the ninth after dropping two shots earlier.

 

As the tournament progresses, the determination and resilience of American golfers will be tested as they strive to complete a historic Grand Slam.