US Open: Scheffler enjoying ‘very taxing’ conditions at Brookline
World number one Scottie Scheffler is one of only nine players to have posted a score under par after 54 holes at this weekend’s US Open.
Scottie Scheffler is enjoying the tricky conditions at this year’s US Open, sitting two strokes from co-leaders Will Zalatoris and Matthew Fitzpatrick heading into Sunday’s final round.
Despite a strong start, the world number one could only manage a one-over 71 at The Country Club on Saturday, finishing on two-under after 54 holes.
In windy and overcast conditions, only seven players posted scores under par on moving day in Brookline, with nine under par for the tournament after three rounds.
After his round on Saturday, Scheffler was far from bemoaning the difficulties he or the field has faced, insisting it is why he is playing the tournament.
“Very taxing” US Open
“I think the US Open is very taxing, mentally and physically,” he said. “I think that’s all part of what this makes this tournament so fun. You’re going to get tested all different kinds of ways, whether it be physically, mentally, whatever it is. This golf tournament is going to test you.
“That’s why I show up here. I think that’s kind of the fun of it. If every golf tournament was like this, it would be in for a long season for all of us. A few times a year I think it’s a ton of fun.”
After a spectacular eagle on the par-five eighth to go three-under over the front nine, the conditions bit Scheffler hard, posting a double bogey and then three consecutive bogeys between 11 and 14.
A birdie on the 17th was followed up with a massive par save on the final hole after finding the bunker, and the usually stoic 25-year-old let out a rare show of emotion, triumphantly pumping his fist after a tough one-putt.
“It was good because I hit my second shot, and I hit it exactly where I wanted to,” Scheffler said. “It got gusted, and it came up short. Where we thought the ball was going to end up was right on top of the bunker where I had no stance.
“So, a hole in which I really thought after a good shot on the second round I was going to walk away with five, to get out of there with four was definitely a big boost.
“I knew how hard the putt was, and that’s why I was so frustrated because I had a chance to get it somewhat close, and I didn’t hit a great shot.”