Scottie Scheffler stays patient after tough breaks at PGA Championship
Scheffler credits his mindset for staying in contention despite challenging conditions at PGA Championship.
PGA TOUR
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As the second round of the 107th PGA Championship unfolds, Jhonattan Vegas has taken the lead, but a host of previous champions are hot on his heels, ready to challenge him.
In a tightly contested matchup for second place, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and France’s Matthieu Pavon are just two shots behind Vegas, while the world’s top golfer, Scottie Scheffler, trails shortly after by a solitary stroke.
Fitzpatrick, still seeking his next victory since his triumph at the 2022 U.S. Open, has showcased his talent, shooting rounds of 68, putting him in a strong position as he eyes another major title.
“Experience in these situations is invaluable,” Fitzpatrick reflected on his position. “There’s a strong desire for another major win, but having achieved one already gives me a certain freedom—I guess it’s all in how I view it.”
This is only the second time Fitzpatrick has found himself among the top 10 at this stage of a major, having finished tied for eighth in the 2022 PGA Championship where he ended up tied for fifth overall. Just a month back, he described his form as “rubbish” following the RBC Heritage, yet his outlook appears significantly more optimistic this week. “I feel like everything is aligning. My drives are excellent, my iron play is consistent—something that used to be a bit shaky. It feels great to see my game reflecting my goals, and I’ve been rolling in putts and chipping well,” he commented on his game this week.
For Scottie Scheffler, who has not demonstrated his best golf through the first rounds, his solid scores of 69 and 68 nevertheless place him tied for fifth alongside Max Homa. According to Scheffler, “I didn’t feel like I was swinging my best, but I was able to stay in the mix.”
This ability to maintain focus should raise some alarms among those eying the Wanamaker Trophy, including Vegas.
“My game clicked around the 14th hole today, and I managed to finish strong,” Scheffler noted. “I concentrated on staying present and not letting earlier mistakes affect me, grinding out a solid round.”
Despite lower expectations, he expressed contentment with where things stand as they head into the weekend. “Sure, I’d love to be higher, but I’ve done the best I can over these last two days. Being close to the leaders gives me some comfort,” he added.
Looking at the broader field, notable competitors include two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and fellow major winner Jon Rahm, who are trailing by five and six strokes, respectively. Both veterans possess the experience needed to handle the pressures that come with this tournament.
“Saturdays often play a pivotal role in shaping the leaderboard in this tournament,” Fitzpatrick suggested. “I think the back nine on Saturday is crucial; ideally, that’s when you want to elevate your play, closing out with a strong finish.”
