Scottie Scheffler had an uninspiring Presidents Cup that ended on a sour note.
The world number one delivered one of his most successful tournaments for Team USA in his career, going 3-1-0 over four days, but his play was uninspiring throughout. Scheffler was once again not at his best for the American team and remains a head-scratcher heading into Adare Manor next year.
Advertisement
He did get the win in his singles match against Nico Echavarria, but even that wasn’t without controversy. A fan shouted during the Colombian’s backswing on the 15th hole, causing a wayward drive.
To Scheffler’s immense credit, he called out the fan in the moment and conceded a lengthy putt to Echavarria to tie the hole in an incredible display of sportsmanship. However, he missed an opportunity to fix US fan behavior with what he did after the round.
Scottie Scheffler missed his chance to help fix US fan behavior
You’d think Scheffler would be in a jovial mood after winning his singles match against Echavarria. Team USA was on its way to making a comeback against the International Team, and he’d just won a point to help make that happen.
Advertisement
Instead, his post-round interview was bizarre. He was chippy and seemingly agitated, and when asked about the fan incident on the 15th hole, the world number one didn’t want to talk about it. He said there’s no place for it in the game, but he wanted to move on quickly.
In that moment, the golfing world was watching Scheffler, and he had the opportunity to convey an important message to American fans. After the Ryder Cup, US golf fans have earned a reputation for crossing the line for what is acceptable in the galleries.
The abuse hurled at the European players in New York marked a concerning turning point in how fans conduct themselves at golf events, and we have even seen some of that same tribalism on the PGA Tour, and at the US Open with their treatment of Wyndham Clark.
In a post-round interview, Scheffler had the chance to correct some of this behavior and tell fans that some of their behavior over the last year isn’t appropriate at a golf event. Coming from the world number one, that could have really resonated with some of the fanbase.
Advertisement
Instead, Scheffler wanted no part of the question and failed to see the bigger picture.
Read the full article here