ST. LOUIS — Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 golfer, is contending with a respiratory illness as he navigates the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club. After a challenging first round, he bounced back with a five-under 65 in his second round, putting him in contention.
Why it matters: Scheffler's performance at the BMW Championship is key as he aims to defend his title and maintain his lead in the FedExCup standings. His ability to overcome health challenges could impact his playoff positioning.
Scheffler opened the tournament with a 2-over-par 72 on August 20, 2026, marking his highest opening round since the U.S. Open in June.
He started with three consecutive bogeys and was four over through his first seven holes before stabilizing his game.
The defending champion entered the BMW Championship as the leader in FedExCup points, increasing the stakes for his performance.
Driving the news: In the second round, Scheffler shot a five-under 65, finishing with an inward 30. This performance allowed him to reach three-under 133 after 36 holes, but he remains nine shots behind leader Wyndham Clark, who shot a 64.
After struggling in the first round, where he ranked 48th in strokes gained on approach and 47th in putting, Scheffler improved significantly in his second round.
He converted 109 feet of putts during his second round, a notable turnaround from his previous performance.
In addition to his putting success, he ranks second on tour in third-round scoring average and first in final-round scoring at 67.35.
State of play: Scheffler's slow start this season has been a recurring theme, with three second-place finishes but no come-from-behind victories yet. He acknowledged the difficulty of overcoming his illness but remains optimistic about his chances.
“Yeah, I'm a ways back, but I'm not out of it by any means,” Scheffler said, emphasizing his determination to fight back.
He is known for strong weekend performances, often recovering from early deficits to challenge for titles.
His ability to summon birdies on the weekend is notable, making him a formidable competitor even when starting behind.
The big picture: The BMW Championship carries considerable weight as only the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings will advance to the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake. Scheffler's performance is not just about winning; it's also about securing his place in the playoffs.
With his recent victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he won by eight strokes, Scheffler has proven he can perform at a high level even under pressure.
His struggles in the first round contrasted sharply with his dominant showing the previous week, highlighting the unpredictability of golf.
Rory McIlroy, who carded a bogey-free 64 in the first round, is also in contention, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
What they're saying: Scheffler's candidness about his health and performance resonates with fans and analysts alike. His admission of feeling “under the weather” during the opening round drew attention to the challenges athletes face beyond physical competition.
“I'm not where I would like to be. But, yeah, I had a good … I'll probably have to have four nines like I did on the back nine today and that will give me a chance to win,” he stated, expressing hope for his upcoming rounds.
His focus on improving his performance emphasizes his competitive spirit and determination to succeed, even when facing adversity.
Golf analysts are keeping a close eye on Scheffler, noting his potential to stage a comeback based on his historical performances.
By the numbers: Scheffler's statistics from both rounds highlight his fluctuating form and potential for recovery.
He lost more than two strokes to the field in approach and putting during the first round, ranking 48th and 47th, respectively.
In the second round, he made a notable recovery, gaining nearly five strokes on the greens.
His impressive conversion of 109 feet of putts in the second round showcases his ability to turn around his game quickly.
What's next: As the BMW Championship progresses, Scheffler will need to maintain his focus and continue his upward trend. His performance in the upcoming rounds will be closely monitored as he aims to close the gap on the leaders.
With rounds scheduled for the weekend, Scheffler has the opportunity to leverage his strong final-round scoring average to make a move.
He will tee off early in the next round, hoping to capitalize on the fresh conditions and build momentum.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Scheffler can summon his best golf and challenge for the title, especially after his strong finish in the second round.