Scottie Scheffler’s hopes of winning a second major of the year were ended by a poor final round at the US Open on Sunday, and the world No. 1 didn’t look for excuses after his round
Scottie Scheffler refused to blame the inclement weather for his less-than-stellar final round at the US Open. Despite shooting an even 70 on Sunday, the world No.1 finished four-over, which saw him fall out of contention for what would have been his fourth major title and second of the year.
J. J. Spaun ultimately clinched victory as the sole player to end under-par. Scheffler, along with his peers, had to contend with the challenging conditions at Oakmont Country Club, where heavy rain led to play being halted due to waterlogged fairways and greens.
When pressed by journalists about whether the downpour and delay impacted his game, the 28-year-old displayed his no-excuse mentality, succinctly stating: “Outdoor sport,” reports the Mirror US.
Although he didn’t display his best form during the week at the demanding Pennsylvania venue, the American acknowledged his determination to persevere.
“My first three days, I felt like I was battling the whole time. Today, I hit some shots,” Scheffler said. “I hit some putts that I really thought were going in, hit some lips.
“It was just challenging. There was a lot of pitch on the greens and you got to do a lot right in order to hole putts. I was just right on the edge today.
“If I had four days like I did today, I think it would have been a different story. I was playing kind of behind the eight ball most of the week hitting the ball in the rough. Overall, proud of how I battled, gave myself a chance, but ultimately didn’t have enough.”
It was indeed a day for first-time major celebrations as Spaun clinched the coveted trophy, an achievement he scarcely believed possible. “I never thought I would be here holding this trophy,” the 34-year-old admitted. “I mean, I’ve always had aspirations and dreams. But a few months ago, I never knew what my ceiling was.
“I never knew how good I could be, but I’m just proud that I’ve been resilient in my career and pushed through a lot of things and just trying to be the best golfer I can be. And, you know, I’m happy to display that today at Oakmont.
“I don’t think I did keep my composure, honestly, with all the breaks I was getting,” he confessed. “I was trying to just dig deep, hit some good shots coming in. But honestly, the weather delay we had kind of just changed the whole vibe for the day. [A] similar thing happened to me at The Players.”
After his triumph, Spaun was joined by his wife Melody and their two young daughters, as he expressed gratitude for his family’s support. “So this time I kind of leaned on that whole experience where I came back after the delay at The Players and I just kept pushing,” he shared.
“I’m super fortunate to just have a good support system around me and encourage me and support me in ways that a lot of people don’t notice. So I’m just proud of how I battled, and I’m super proud to be the U.S. Open champion.”
