Scottie Scheffler displayed strong emotions during Saturday’s third round at the Tour Championship at East Lake. Despite playing a bogey-free 66, he expressed frustration over missed putts, saying, “How does it go back that way? F—ing grain’s over here.” This left him three shots behind Viktor Hovland as the final round approached.
However, Scheffler’s talent soon overshadowed his struggles. On Sunday, he crafted a stunning comeback, earning the Tour Championship trophy with a closing round of 4-under 66. His performance tied the day’s lowest score.
When Scheffler’s par putt dropped into the cup on the final hole, the tournament virtually concluded, even with competitors still playing. Scheffler had set the stage for victory early. At the par-3 second hole, he nearly scored an ace, following it with an easy birdie. As Hovland bogeyed hole one and Ryan Gerard doubled his start, Scheffler quickly turned his three-shot deficit to a one-shot difference.
“Scheffler’s ability to convert bogeys into birdies is unrivaled,” remarked a golf analyst on his dominant performance.
Scheffler sank birdies at holes 2, 4, 8, 10, 13, and 16, overcoming bogeys at 7 and 14. His birdie on hole 13 gave him the tournament lead for the first time. Hovland couldn’t keep pace, missing several key putts and bogeying holes late in the round. By hole 17, Hovland’s chances dwindled further as he made another bogey, finishing the day second.
Hovland struggled with his putter, making just one notable save in the final round. He hit only 5 fairways on the back nine.
Controversy briefly marred the day. An ultra-close replay suggested Hovland touched sand in his bunker shot backswing. Rules official Mark Dusbabek noted inquiries on the incident but found no conclusive evidence, thus averting penalties. This saved Hovland significant earnings.
Scheffler’s victory also marked a redeeming moment against Hovland, following their earlier Travelers Championship face-off. This win was significant, given the three-shot deficit he overcame under the new FedExCup format, with every player starting at even par.
Scheffler’s 2026 season includes three victories and consistent top-five finishes. His dominant presence creates strong competition for PGA Tour Player of the Year honors, with Wyndham Clark presenting a worthy challenge after notable wins.
With American golf under scrutiny post-Ryder Cup, Scheffler’s triumph reaffirms the United States’ golfing prowess ahead of the Presidents Cup.
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