It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since Rory McIlroy made history at the 2025 Masters, becoming the first player to win golf’s Grand Slam in one calendar year. As the golfing world looks back on this incredible achievement, it’s hard not to also reflect on the performance of Scottie Scheffler, who finished fourth in that same Masters tournament.
At the time, many people were impressed by Scheffler’s performance at Augusta National Golf Course. He showed immense skill and determination, and it seemed like he was on the verge of a breakout year. But since then, Scheffler hasn’t been able to maintain that level of play, and it has left some people wondering: what’s the matter with Scottie Scheffler?
Some critics have been quick to point out Scheffler’s less-than-stellar starts in 2026, with some even going so far as to say that he’s not living up to his potential. But before we jump to any conclusions, let’s take a closer look at Scheffler’s recent performances and put things into perspective.
First of all, let’s remember that Scheffler is still a relatively young golfer. At just 29 years old, he has plenty of time to continue honing his skills and making a name for himself on the PGA Tour. It takes time to develop consistency in this sport, and Scheffler is still in the early stages of his career.
Even experienced players can have off weeks, so it’s not fair to criticize Scheffler based on a few mediocre starts. In fact, many of the greatest golfers in the world have had their fair share of setbacks and struggles. It’s all part of the game, and it’s how you bounce back from those moments that truly matters.
It’s also important to remember that the competition on the PGA Tour is fierce. There are countless talented golfers out there, all vying for the same titles and accolades. It’s no easy feat to consistently perform at a high level, and Scheffler is doing his best to rise to the challenge. Let’s not forget that he finished in the top 5 in two major tournaments last year and has had multiple top 10 finishes this year.
And finally, let’s talk about pressure. When you’re a rising star like Scottie Scheffler, expectations are high. People are looking at you to see if you can maintain your success and build on it. But sometimes, all that pressure can be overwhelming. It takes a strong mental game to handle the weight of those expectations, and it’s clear that Scheffler is still learning how to do that. But that’s all part of the growth process, and there’s no doubt that he will emerge from this experience as a stronger and more resilient player.
Fortunately, not everyone is quick to criticize Scheffler. Retired PGA Tour pro, Brad Faxon, recently came to Scheffler’s defense, telling critics to “take a damn chill pill.” Faxon knows firsthand the challenges of being a professional golfer, and he understands that it’s not always smooth sailing. He also knows that Scheffler has what it takes to be successful in this sport, and he’s confident that he will overcome his current struggles.
So, let’s all do as Faxon suggests and take a chill pill. Let’s not put too much pressure on Scheffler or any other young golfer, for that matter. Let them learn and grow at their own pace, and let’s continue to support and encourage them along the way.
In conclusion, there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with Scottie Scheffler. He’s a talented and dedicated golfer who is still finding his footing on the PGA Tour. It’s only a matter of time before he’s back on top, and when he does, we will all be cheering him on. So let’s give him the time and space he needs to get there, and let’s all remember to take a damn chill pill.
