FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — A prominent photograph of Scottie Scheffler from four years ago captures a younger version of the golfer, full of promise and devoid of the burden of expectation. The image, taken during a stunning upset against then-No. 1 player Jon Rahm at the 2019 Ryder Cup, shows a clean-shaven Scheffler celebrating in triumph. Fast forward to Saturday morning on the 18th fairway of the Ryder Cup in New York, and viewers are met with a different scene. This time, Scheffler is a seasoned player, a father, and the world No. 1, facing an enormous challenge.
As he stood just 116 yards from the tee, down by one, hoping to deliver an impactful approach, Scheffler’s hopes plummeted when his lob wedge fell short and found itself ensnared in rough terrain. The difficulty of the shot was underscored by analyst Nick Faldo, who labeled it a “calamity,” sealing the match’s fate and marking a historic moment in golf: Scheffler became the first world No. 1 to start a Ryder Cup with an 0-3 record.
Things took a further tumble as Scheffler partnered with Bryson DeChambeau, a pairing that had high expectations but lost 3&2, making Scheffler the first player in history to lose all four team sessions in a Ryder Cup since 1967. The weight of recent performances has illuminated a troubling trend; despite his immense talent and past successes, the Ryder Cup has proven to be a considerable hurdle for Scheffler.
In contrast to his stellar 2021 debut, where he posted a solid 2-0-1 record and clinched a match against Rahm, his subsequent Ryder Cup appearances have seen him falter. Since becoming an undeniable star, he has reported an 0-6-2 record in this event, with a particularly painful 9&7 loss alongside Brooks Koepka. These stats raise questions about his performance at a team level, especially when compared to his overall success on the PGA Tour, which includes 19 wins, four major championships, and an Olympic gold medal.
As Europe surged ahead by seven points, a record margin, its players showcased outstanding skill, while American leaders like Scheffler struggled to find their rhythm. European captain Luke Donald noted, “You need your superstars to perform at their highest,” highlighting the disparity between the two teams’ performances.
Despite some shaky partnerships, Scheffler’s individual skills remained evident, but he continued to underperform relative to his standards. His demeanor remained gracious even after each defeat, as he supported teammates and maintained a positive attitude. This raises an intriguing question about whether emotional expression could enhance his performance—letting out frustration might allow him to focus better in future rounds.
The dynamics of match play differ from traditional stroke play, often favoring a more aggressive strategy. Scheffler’s strength lies in limiting errors and executing planned shots, which may not mesh well with the high-pressure, quick-decision environment of the Ryder Cup.
Yet, in the wake of his fourth defeat, Scheffler showed his dedication and camaraderie. He embraced DeChambeau and rallied his team, displaying a sense of unity and resilience. This moment of connection was followed by a quiet reflection with loved ones, underscoring his genuine desire to win the Ryder Cup.
While the path forward may be uncertain for Scheffler, the hope remains that his talent will eventually translate into success on this storied stage, allowing him to break the cycle of disappointment and further solidify his legacy in the sport.