Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas collapse in spectacular fashion at The Open

 

As Scottie Scheffler glanced at the weather forecast for the final day of The Open, anticipation coursed through him. The elements had mercilessly lashed Royal Troon on Saturday, but predictions promised calmer winds ahead. This meant a golden opportunity: birdies on the front nine followed by a gripping battle to maintain the lead.

 

Scheffler, along with his Ryder Cup teammate Justin Thomas, found themselves within striking distance of the leaders. At precisely 13:34, Thomas approached the first tee box, a mix of expectation and hope evident in his demeanor. He knew a round in the 60s could place the coveted claret jug within his grasp by the end of the day.

 

However, at 13:36, Thomas’s tournament took a disastrous turn. Reaching into his Tour bag for a fresh golf ball, he had just hit one of the wildest tee shots of the year, carving it so far right it nearly ended up on the beach. Shot tracking couldn’t even register it. This catastrophic error resulted in a triple bogey, effectively ending his challenge right at the outset.

 

Scheffler’s journey was markedly different but equally dramatic. Two consecutive birdies on the 7th and 8th holes propelled the world number one closer to the top of the leaderboard. Yet, just as his hopes soared, they were dashed at the 9th hole. Out of nowhere, he incurred a double bogey, a blow that extinguished his chances of claiming a third major title.

 

The reigning Masters Champion’s expression spoke volumes as he navigated the rollercoaster of emotions. The dream of another major slipped through his fingers, leaving him to wait another eight months for a shot at defending his green jacket.

 

In the end, it was a day of what-ifs and near-misses for Scottie Scheffler—a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf and the relentless quest for greatness.

Xander Schauffele sends ‘selfish’ retirement message to Tiger Woods after brutal verdict

In a dramatic twist at The Open, Xander Schauffele has emphatically rebuffed Colin Montgomerie’s recent suggestion that Tiger Woods should retire. The golfing legend, Woods, 48, endured a tough outing at Royal Troon, finishing 14-over-par across the first two rounds, prompting Montgomerie’s controversial remarks.

 

Before Woods even teed off, Montgomerie, 61, had told The Times, “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him. There is none of that now. At Pinehurst, he did not seem to enjoy a single shot, and you think, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon and he won’t enjoy it there either.”

 

Montgomerie’s blunt comments were met with significant backlash, as many, including Schauffele, rallied in Woods’ defense. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at Troon (via The Mirror), the 2024 PGA Championship winner made it clear he sees Woods’ continued presence in golf as vital. “Whether it’s his honest opinion or not, the game of golf needs him [Woods], needs him desperately,” Schauffele asserted. “Selfishly, I want him to play as long as possible. It just helps all of the guys out here, just with the amount of eyeballs that someone like Tiger Woods brings to golf.”

 

Woods’ recent performances have been hampered by injuries sustained in a severe car crash in 2021. Despite this, the 15-time major champion responded to Montgomerie’s comments with typical determination, highlighting Montgomerie’s lack of major wins. “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” Woods said before The Open. “Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do. So, when I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t.”

 

Following a disappointing performance in Scotland, Woods admitted he would take a break from the sport. However, he made it clear he is not ready to retire. Schauffele, 30, will undoubtedly be heartened by Woods’ undiminished passion for the game.

 

Montgomerie later sought to clarify his earlier statements, claiming they were misinterpreted. He expressed his hopes for Woods to secure a fourth Open victory at Troon, though Woods’ performance did not align with these aspirations.

 

Despite fewer appearances on the course, Woods remains a dominant figure in the golfing world, notably defending the PGA Tour against the burgeoning LIV Golf. His leadership both on and off the green suggests that Woods will continue to influence the future of golf long after his competitive days are over.

Scottie Scheffler’s Wife Meredith & New Baby Joined Golfer……

 

In a surprising turn of events, Scottie Scheffler found himself at the center of controversy following his arrest, casting a shadow over his participation in the PGA Championship. The incident occurred on May 17, 2024, as Scheffler attempted to make his way to the Valhalla Golf Club for the second round of the tournament. What initially appeared to be a serious legal issue was later clarified as a misunderstanding, leading to the charges being dropped.

 

Amid this turmoil, Scottie’s wife, Meredith Scheffler, and their newborn baby made a heartfelt gesture by joining him in Louisville. Just days before the incident, on May 13, 2024, Scottie had joyfully announced the birth of their child on Instagram, adding an emotional layer to the unfolding drama.

 

Nathan Hubbard of The Ringer provided an insightful account of the situation during the May 20, 2024, episode of the “Fairway Rollin’” podcast. Hubbard described how Scottie, despite the arrest, maintained a composed demeanor as he entered the player dining area on Friday morning. With a plate of eggs in hand, he greeted the crowd, approved a brief statement, and began recounting the story. The bruising on his left arm was a visible reminder of the ordeal he had endured.

 

Eyewitnesses and media personnel present at the scene corroborated Scottie’s version of events, emphasizing that he was not the aggressor in the incident. The emotional toll of the experience became evident on Saturday morning, as Hubbard recounted, “Scottie woke up in tears, visibly saddened by the incident.”

 

The arrival of Meredith and their newborn provided much-needed support for Scottie. However, the emotional weight of the situation was palpable as he struggled through the third round of the PGA Championship. From the opening hole, it was clear that Scottie was not his usual self, his performance reflecting the inner turmoil he was experiencing.

 

Despite the challenging circumstances, the solidarity of his family offered a glimmer of hope. The touching display of unity and support underscored the resilience and determination of the Scheffler family as they navigated this difficult chapter together.

 

Scottie Scheffler has thrust himself into the spotlight for potentially securing his second major victory of the year after an impressive even-par 71 in the third round of the 152nd Open Championship on Saturday.

 

The 2024 Masters champion now stands at 2-under par for the tournament, just two strokes shy of leader Billy Horschel, who sits at 4-under. Scheffler, maintaining his relentless consistency, is one of only two players who have not recorded an over-par round at The Open this week.

 

Reflecting on the challenges presented by Royal Troon, particularly its notorious inward nine, Scheffler expressed the intense difficulty of the course following his third round. “I can think of a couple days with some crazy high winds that may have been more challenging, but overall the back nine, I think that was probably the hardest nine holes that I’ll ever play,” Scheffler shared with CBS Sports. “I shouldn’t say ever, but it’s definitely the hardest that I’ve played to this point.”

 

The back nine at Royal Troon has tested even the finest players this week, featuring treacherous par-3s and lengthy par-4s that have proven difficult to reach in two shots amidst Scotland’s wet and windy conditions.

 

Displaying his trademark precision, Scheffler hit 13-of-14 fairways and 14-of-18 greens in regulation during his third round. He currently leads the field in Strokes Gained on Approach, amassing an impressive +8.15 for the week. This dominance in approach play is a familiar sight for Scheffler, though his putting remains a concern. He ranks near the bottom in Strokes Gained Putting, sitting 114th with a -1.61 SG.

 

With just a two-stroke gap to the top, Scheffler will embark on his pursuit of the coveted Claret Jug at 8:55 a.m. ET on Sunday, teeing off alongside Daniel Brown. As the final round looms, all eyes will be on Scheffler as he aims to etch his name in golfing history once more.

 

As the 2024 Open Championship approaches its climax, the stage is set for an electrifying final round, with major debutant Dan Brown making an impressive charge towards the top of a fiercely competitive leaderboard.

 

Overnight leader Billy Horschel faces fierce competition from a stellar lineup that includes Xander Schauffele, Sam Burns, Justin Rose, Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, Justin Thomas, and Adam Scott. The stakes are high as these golf giants vie for the prestigious Claret Jug, a trophy with a rich history dating back to its first award in 1872, and a winner’s cheque of $3.1 million (£2.4 million).

 

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) has boosted the total prize fund to $17 million (£13.4 million) for this year’s Open, an increase of $500,000 from last year. Despite this increase, The Open remains the least lucrative of golf’s four major championships. For comparison, Bryson DeChambeau pocketed $4.3 million for his U.S. Open victory, Scottie Scheffler earned $3.6 million for winning the Masters, and Xander Schauffele received $3.3 million for his triumph at the PGA Championship.

 

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers addressed the issue, stating, “A, I didn’t know, and B, I don’t care. While we will always offer a very competitive prize fund for the Open, our wider focus is on increasing participation and improving pathways in golf. We have to make choices about how we allocate resources and make the resources we have go as far as they can. Our responsibility is to ensure the game is thriving 50 years from now.”

 

#### Open Championship 2024 Prize Money Breakdown:

– **First place:** $3.1 million (£2.4 million)

– **Second place:** $1,759,000

– **Third place:** $1,128,000

– **Fourth place:** $876,000

– **Fifth place:** $705,000

– **Sixth place:** $611,000

– **Seventh place:** $525,000

– **Eighth place:** $442,500

– **Ninth place:** $388,000

– **Tenth place:** $350,600

 

As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on the players as they navigate the pressure and challenges of the course, each one determined to etch their name in the storied history of The Open Championship.

 

Scottie Scheffler has a knack for lurking under the radar, and his performance at The Open has been no exception. With a level-par third round of 71, the world No. 1 has put himself just two shots off the lead, positioning himself as a formidable contender for his second major of the year.

 

Scheffler’s rise has been so subtle that many didn’t notice him sneaking up the leaderboard, even before the final pairing of Dan Brown and Shane Lowry stumbled on Troon’s 18th in the gathering gloom last night. Now, officially a serious threat to claim his maiden Open title, Scheffler’s quiet ascent has the rest of the field on high alert.

 

What’s remarkable is how Scheffler has maneuvered himself into this position with little fanfare. Like a stealthy assassin, he’s crept up on the competition, going about his business quietly and efficiently. Saturday was yet another day when the world No. 1 largely flew under the radar, putting together a steady round in tough conditions.

 

While a level-par round might not sound extraordinary given some of the scores posted earlier in the day, the context is crucial. Scheffler faced brutal weather on the back nine, which he described as “the hardest nine holes I’ll ever play.” Despite the challenging conditions, he played those final nine holes in just one-over-par, dropping shots at the 13th and 15th but recovering with a sensational three-wood on the par-three 17th, setting up a birdie with a shot to two feet.

 

Scheffler’s account of his round highlights the difficulty: “I probably don’t hit a 3-wood on a par-3 very often,” he said. “I probably don’t hit driver and a 3-wood really solid on a par-4 and don’t get there in two, either, which is what happened at 15.” He continued, “At 18, I hit a good driver and a really hard 3-iron. I’m hitting that 3-iron super low and as hard as I can, and yesterday Jordan [Spieth] hit a driver there and had 30, 40 yards to the front edge. It was 160-, 170-yard difference in length off the tee there, from his drive yesterday to my drive today. Yeah, it was pretty wild out there, but I did a good job of grinding it out.”

 

Scheffler’s Struggle with the Putter

To be honest, if Scheffler had been more effective with his putter, he might be leading the tournament by now. Despite numerous birdie opportunities on the front nine, he ranks 114th in the field in putting this week. However, he remains composed despite the missed chances. “I think about the putts I hit on eight and nine where I look up and I think it’s going in and it goes up to the hole and it lips out,” he reflected. “It can be frustrating, but I felt like today was another one of those days where I just did a really good job of not getting overly frustrated, staying in a good head space and did a good job of really staying in the tournament.”

 

Scheffler’s ability to stay focused is remarkable. Few golfers could endure the kind of tumultuous events he faced at the US PGA in May, including an arrest for second-degree assault of a police officer and reckless driving, and then come back to shoot a 66 in a major championship hours later.

 

Arriving at Troon on Saturday a couple of hours before his tee time, Scheffler looked as if he might have spent the night at a local jailhouse. One might have feared he had caught whatever bug had caused his caddie, Ted Scott, to lie down during Friday’s round. But from the moment he biffed an iron up the first fairway in heavy rain, it was clear Scheffler was laser-focused. Even as birdie putts refused to drop, his overall accuracy ensured the field came back to him.

 

“I got a good amount of guys in front of me,” Scheffler noted at the finish. “But yes, my goal going into the back nine was to do what I could to stay in the tournament and steal some shots where I could. And there wasn’t really much to steal on the back nine so it was good getting in. Other than the missed short putt on 15 there where I got a bit distracted, it was a really solid back nine.”

 

History in the Making?

By a curious coincidence, the last person to win six tournaments in a year by this stage was Arnold Palmer in 1962, who clinched his seventh at The Open at Troon. If Scheffler can find his putting form on Sunday, the rest of the field had better watch out.

 

Daniel Brown narrowly avoided a disastrous mishap on day three of The Open, coming perilously close to hitting Scottie Scheffler with a wayward tee shot. Brown, a surprising standout in this year’s tournament, had an unforgettable moment for all the wrong reasons when his tee shot on the seventh hole went wildly off course.

 

Competing in his first major tournament at 29, Brown sliced his shot sharply to the right, immediately shouting a warning of “fore.” The misdirected ball came frighteningly close to striking Scheffler and his playing partner Dean Burmester, who were preparing to putt on the adjacent eighth green.

 

The ball ultimately landed in the middle of the eighth green, barely missing Scheffler’s head. Burmester also narrowly escaped being hit as the ball rolled to a stop on the edge of the eighth fairway, near the rough.

 

Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray was taken aback by how close Scheffler came to being struck, exclaiming, “Oh, there’s the eighth green! Wow, coming through. I never saw that play and neither did the guys on the eighth! That’s one way to take out the world No. 1, on the back of his head. Jeepers. He air-mailed the green.”

 

Brown has emerged as one of the most unexpected contenders in Open history, starting strong and leading the field at the end of day one with a six-under-par opening round. He remains in contention for the Claret Jug, which would be a monumental upset.

 

As the tournament progresses, Brown aims to outpace Shane Lowry, with top players like Scheffler, Billy Horschel, and Xander Schauffele close behind.

 

In other news from The Open, Si Woo Kim delighted fans with the tournament’s first ace on the 17th hole. Kim’s brilliant 238-yard tee shot landed just outside the green before rolling into the cup. Instead of following the tradition of buying drinks for everyone in the clubhouse, the Korean hopeful promised to treat his team to a celebratory fish and chips meal.

 

As the competition heats up, the unexpected twists and turns at The Open continue to captivate golf fans worldwide.

In a surprising twist, the wife of The Open contender Adam Hadwin has sparked a debate among golf fans. Jessica Hadwin has openly criticized the dedication of those willing to disrupt their sleep to watch golf, calling them “sick.” This controversy comes as her husband competes at the prestigious Royal Troon in Scotland, far from their home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

 

Adam Hadwin secured his spot in the final major of the year after a strong performance, finishing third at last month’s Memorial Tournament. He began his tournament on Thursday morning, teeing off with Lucas Glover and Christiaan Bezuidenhout at 9:14 am BST. However, the time difference meant that his tee-off time was 1:14 am in Scottsdale.

 

Jessica Hadwin chose not to travel to Scotland, opting instead to stay in Arizona. On X, she expressed her disbelief at the dedication of golf fans willing to wake up in the middle of the night, saying, “I’m blown away reading how many people on here are getting up in the middle of the night to watch golf. Y’all are sick lol.” When retired NFL player Dan Orlovsky mentioned he would be up at 3 am to watch, Jessica posted a meme saying, “Go to a hospital.”

 

The interactions didn’t stop there. When a follower asked if her husband was playing at The Open, Jessica replied, “That’s what he told me he was doing when he left two weeks ago.” She admitted to another fan, “This brings me a little guilt as I’m choosing sleep over watching my husband in a major.”

 

Adam Hadwin finished the first day of The Open tied for 83rd place with notable players such as Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland, and Hideki Matsuyama, ending four over-par. His second day began at 2:15 pm BST, a more reasonable 6:15 am in Arizona, allowing fans to follow his progress without the early morning disruption.

 

Despite the early drama, Hadwin’s chances of winning appear slim. Irish star Shane Lowry has shown impressive form, leading the leaderboard with a score of seven under-par by mid-afternoon on the second day. Other top contenders include Daniel Brown, Justin Rose, Billy Horschel, and Dean Burmester, all performing well at South Ayrshire.

 

This incident has certainly added an unexpected layer of drama to The Open, highlighting the sacrifices and decisions made by players and their families during major tournaments.

Phil Mickelson refuses to ‘sit and chat’ with Tiger Woods after comment at The Open

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have not always seen eye-to-eye over the years.

For years, the golfing world has watched the legendary rivalry between Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods unfold. Though their fierce competition has mellowed over time, their relationship remains complex and often strained. This was evident at The Open, where Mickelson admitted he was in no mood for casual conversation with Woods.

 

During their primes, Mickelson and Woods delivered some of the most memorable duels in golf history. Yet, the dynamics between them have shifted dramatically, especially in light of recent developments. Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf in 2022, a controversial breakaway series, has only heightened tensions. Woods, a staunch advocate for the PGA Tour, has been a vocal critic of the Saudi-funded league.

 

As the two prepared for play at The Open, they found themselves warming up side by side. Despite the proximity, Mickelson revealed that their interaction was minimal, limited to a brief greeting. “We said hi,” Mickelson recounted. “Yeah, we said hi, but we were both preparing. It’s not like we’re going to sit there and chat. But we said hello, yeah.”

 

This cold exchange underscores the ongoing friction between the two golfing icons. Their interactions have become increasingly rare, and any semblance of camaraderie seems to have dissipated. The potential merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, discussed for over a year now, remains a distant dream with little progress made.

 

When asked about the possibility of collaborating with Woods to facilitate a breakthrough in these talks, Mickelson was non-committal. “I don’t know, we’ll see. We’ll see. I don’t know about that stuff, I’m not involved. I’m not sitting in those rooms. I am enjoying where I’m at and what I’m doing and playing. I’ll let other people figure that stuff out,” he said.

 

At The Open, Mickelson’s performance has been less than stellar, though he managed to make the cut with a score of five over par. Woods, on the other hand, struggled significantly, missing the cut after finishing his second round at 14 over par. Despite this setback, Woods has expressed his determination to return and compete at Royal Portrush next year.

 

The story of Mickelson and Woods is far from over. As the landscape of professional golf continues to evolve, so too will the dynamics of their relationship. For now, the tension remains palpable, adding yet another layer of intrigue to their already storied rivalry.

“Prove Monty wrong!” resounded across the first tee at Royal Troon as the legendary Tiger Woods commenced his initial round at The Open Championship. The 15-time major winner and 82-time PGA Tour champion faced the crowd with determination yesterday, marking only his fifth tournament appearance this year.

 

Despite persistent fitness challenges, Woods remains a figure of intense public interest. Before the championship, his future was hotly debated after Colin Montgomerie suggested that it might be time for Woods to retire. Montgomerie, speaking to The Times, reflected on Woods’ illustrious past, saying, “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him. There is none of that now. At Pinehurst, he did not seem to enjoy a single shot and you think ‘What the hell is he doing?’.”

 

Montgomerie further referenced Woods’ own words about retiring when he could no longer compete, adding, “Aren’t we there? I’d have thought we were past there. There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go. Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic.”

 

However, as Woods teed off at Royal Troon, the support from spectators was palpable. The 48-year-old drew a substantial crowd, clearly demonstrating that fans still relish watching the iconic athlete compete at the highest level.

 

Addressing Montgomerie’s comments during his pre-championship press conference, Woods did not shy away. He highlighted his right to compete as a past champion, contrasting his situation with Montgomerie’s. “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin is not. He is not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do. So when I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t,” Woods remarked bluntly.

 

Adding to the chorus of support, Rickie Fowler, a close friend of Woods, also shared his perspective on Tuesday. Fowler insisted that Woods, a three-time Open champion, still has much to contribute to the sport. “He still has plenty of good golf in him,” Fowler told Mirror Sport. “The game is better when we have him around… I love being able to have Tiger [here]. He has been trying to continue to make sure he is ready to go, playing the majors and then hopefully a few other events on top of that… I would love to see him continue to stay healthy so he can play a select group of events throughout the years.”

 

As Tiger Woods embarks on this latest chapter of his career, the message from fans and fellow players is unequivocal: they are not ready to say goodbye to this golfing legend.