Scheffler competes in BMW Championship while battling hand, foot and mouth disease
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler finished the BMW Championship with a 2-under 68 despite suffering from hand, foot and mouth disease, saying he would have withdrawn if he had known the severity of his condition.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a 2-under 68 to close the BMW Championship on Sunday, but said he was dealing with hand, foot and mouth disease that caused painful blisters on his hands and feet. The illness made gripping the club difficult, and Scheffler acknowledged that, in hindsight, withdrawing would have been prudent.
"I’m sick," Scheffler said when asked about his condition.
He added that he chose to continue playing because he felt he was performing well and hoped to finish the early rounds quickly. The golfer had entered the tournament after an eight-shot victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship and was already assured of retaining the No. 1 spot in the FedEx Cup, which carries a $23 million bonus.
Scheffler noted his typical reluctance to abandon a tournament, describing it as both a strength and a weakness. He expressed pride in his effort, saying his throat was still irritated but his hands felt normal by the end of the event.
The American recorded three straight birdies that briefly moved him into the top-10, but a late bogey from a fairway bunker and a 65 % green-hit rate limited his finish. He said his symptoms began Monday night and worsened through the week, leaving him “still not 100 %” but planning to rest.