Scottie Scheffler gets candid, says recent setback may have been exactly what he needed
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 07: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America looks on at the 11th hole during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 07, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 07 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603070383
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 07: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America looks on at the 11th hole during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 07, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 07 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603070383
Scottie Scheffler heads to Royal Birkdale looking to defend his Open title, but the World No. 1 believes an unexpected setback may have helped his chances.
After missing the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open, Scheffler found a silver lining in the disappointment. The extra time away from competition allowed him to reset ahead of his title defense, something he feels was exactly what he needed.
“I feel at peace, yeah. I think sometimes it's not like -- it's never the best thing to miss a cut, but like I said, sometimes having a couple days off, resetting, getting some time away,” Scheffler said.
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America hits a drive at the 15th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 08, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 08 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603080214
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America hits a drive at the 15th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 08, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 08 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603080214
The missed cut at the Renaissance Club ended Scheffler's streak of 78 consecutive PGA Tour cuts, his first early exit since the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship, but the World No. 1 appreciated the unexpected time off after feeling the effects of a long, tiring season last year.
"Later in the season, I think sometimes you get a little bit more tired. I think that's almost probably why I started going off the rails last year in the press conference,” said Scheffler in an interview, accessed by ASAP Sports.
Scheffler made comments on his legacy after the Open win last year. The 20-time PGA Tour winner pointed out that his achievements were not at the top of his mind.
Scheffler revealed that his philosophical comments after last year's Open win were largely the result of a tiring season, and he believes the extra time off following his missed cut has helped him reset ahead of his bid for a fifth major title at Royal Birkdale.
Scottie Scheffler is looking forward to the Open Championship
The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale for the 11th time, and Scottie Scheffler is excited for it.
“Going into this tournament, I really do. I've had a very solid year, but like I said, frustrating at times because I've been close and I haven't been able to get it done like I have been in years past,” said Scheffler in the same interview. “I'm looking forward to getting out here on a really firm golf course. I think it's going to be very fun and interesting to play.”
Despite winning only once this season at The American Express and recording four runner-up finishes, the World No. 1 remains confident in his game as he prepares to defend his title at a transformed Royal Birkdale.
Do you think Scheffler will be able to defend his title? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav