Scottie Scheffler Fights Putting Woes at 2026 Open Championship

**Scottie Scheffler** erupted with a fist‑pump on Saturday, July 12, 2026, after a missed six‑footer on the 17th at Royal Birkdale, underscoring his ongoing putting woes in the Open Championship.

What happened?

Scheffler, world No. 1, endured three consecutive days of sub‑seven‑foot misses. On the par‑5 17th, a six‑foot birdie putt slipped past his line, prompting an ironic celebration toward the sky. He then tapped in for par, gesturing wildly at caddie Ted Scott about the uneven greens. The defending champion posted an even‑par 70, sitting five strokes behind leader Sam Burns heading into Sunday’s final round.

Why it matters for Scottie Scheffler

The putter’s frustration highlights a rare vulnerability for a player who usually dominates the short game. Missing putts from within seven feet can erode confidence, especially in a major where every stroke counts. Scheffler’s visible emotion signals a potential shift in his mental approach; he may need to adjust his routine or seek a quick fix before the closing round. The incident also puts pressure on his caddie, Ted Scott, to address green‑reading issues that could affect the leaderboard.

How the putting struggle unfolded

Royal Birkdale’s greens proved treacherous, with inconsistent grain and subtle breaks. Scheffler’s first round featured a single three‑foot birdie, but by the third day his longest missed putt stretched to six feet. The Saturday miss on the 17th was the tipping point. After the putt rolled past, Scheffler raised his fist, a gesture that blended triumph with protest, then turned to his caddie, demanding a clearer read for the remaining holes.

What comes next?

Sunday’s final round will test Scheffler’s resilience. To stay in contention, he must convert short putts and avoid further lapses. If he can steady his putting, a second consecutive Claret Jug is within reach. Otherwise, the gap to Sam Burns could widen, relegating Scheffler to a distant runner‑up. Fans will watch closely as he either steadies his flatstick or watches the title slip away.

Who else is in the mix?

Sam Burns leads the field, sitting five strokes ahead of Scheffler. Other contenders include Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa, each looking to capitalize on any slip from the world No. 1. The pressure on Scheffler’s game may open doors for these rivals, turning the final day into a showdown of skill and composure.

Can Scheffler rebound?

The answer hinges on his ability to reset mentally and trust his short‑game instincts. A calm, focused approach could see him claw back strokes, while lingering frustration may cost him dearly. The next 18 holes will reveal whether his fist‑pump was a momentary outburst or the catalyst for a comeback.