Key Highlights
- Scottie Scheffler experiences “Thursdayitis,” similar to Rory McIlroy’s “Freaky Fridays.”
- Scheffler has started his last three tournaments with poor scores.
- Mental pressure and external factors contribute to these false starts for top players.
- McIlroy struggled similarly before finding success in 2014.
The Thursday Blues: Scheffler’s Struggles
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning world number one, finds himself grappling with what could be termed as “Thursdayitis.” The term echoes a similar phenomenon previously observed in Rory McIlroy’s game, aptly named “Freaky Fridays.”
Scheffler’s Slumps
It might seem quaint to imagine a world where the number one golfer can find himself languishing near last place after 10 holes. But it happened during Scheffler’s recent tournament at Riviera, where he was five-over through ten before play was halted. This isn’t the first time; his starts in Phoenix and Pebble Beach were also less than stellar.
Over the last three tournaments, Scheffler has opened with rounds of 73, 72, and 74—far from his usual prowess. His chances of winning at Riviera seemed dashed as he struggled to find form on Thursday.
Mental Pressure and External Factors
Scheffler attributes these struggles to a combination of factors including teeing off late in the day, tough conditions like wind and soft greens, and an increased mental pressure. His quote, “teeing off yesterday when we did, was pretty challenging around this golf course,” hints at the difficulties he faces.
“I think I just got it into my head and I may be putting a bit too much pressure on myself, going out on Fridays and trying to back up a score.” This self-awareness is critical as he tries to address his issues.
Historical Context: McIlroy’s Struggles
The phenomenon of players struggling on specific days is not new. Rory McIlroy’s “Freaky Fridays” are well-documented, with the Northern Irishman often finding himself in dire straits come Friday afternoon. In 2014, McIlroy managed to turn it around, winning the Open Championship and subsequently claiming titles at the WGC Bridgestone and PGA Championship.
Scheffler’s situation mirrors this, but unlike McIlroy, who overcame his struggles, Scheffler hasn’t won a major since 2021. His recent performances suggest that he is in the early stages of dealing with this issue.
Conclusion
The golfing world watches with interest as Scheffler navigates these challenges. While his consistency remains top-notch, his ability to start tournaments strong will be key moving forward. McIlroy’s experience offers a glimmer of hope for Scheffler, but the path back to form is not easy.
