Scheffler Struggles at Ryder Cup
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — The world’s top-ranked player, Scottie Scheffler, has had a challenging start at the Ryder Cup, going 0-2. This marks the worst performance on the first day by a leading player since Tiger Woods.
In the morning foursomes, Scheffler and partner Russell Henley suffered a significant defeat. The pair struggled again in the afternoon, with Scheffler teaming up with U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun, leading to another loss in fourballs.
Despite Scheffler’s individual success on the PGA Tour this year, where he has more wins than anyone else, his team has struggled. Both he and Bryson DeChambeau, two of the American team’s main stars, went 0-2, leaving the U.S. trailing Europe 5.5 to 2.5.
“When you’re the No. 1 player in the world, a rough day is expected to be followed by a comeback. We’re not worried about Scottie Scheffler,” said U.S. captain Keegan Bradley.
Scheffler showed signs of improvement late in the afternoon match, managing three birdies in the last four holes. However, he failed to secure any birdies until the 13th hole as Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka maintained their lead, ultimately winning 3-and-2.
Scheffler now holds a record of 0-4-2 in his last six Ryder Cup matches. He became the first world No. 1 to lose both opening matches since Woods did in 2002, a feat Woods replicated in 1999. Ian Woosnam in 1991 is the only other top-ranked player to achieve this.
The morning match saw Scheffler and Henley defeated 5 and 3 by Europe’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Åberg. Despite a promising start, the Americans fell short, unable to capitalize on early opportunities. Scheffler and Henley are set to compete again in Saturday’s foursomes against Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre.
