Scottie Scheffler's determination was put to the test at the 2026 BMW Championship, where he fought through hand, foot and mouth disease to complete the tournament at 7 under.
Scheffler, the world No. 1, played with blisters in his throat and on his hands, making it difficult to grip his clubs. Despite the challenges, he managed to finish inside the top 15 in the penultimate event of the season and the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
The virus that caused Scheffler's ordeal, hand, foot and mouth disease, spreads easily from person to person through bodily fluids. It most commonly affects children under age 5, and adults often catch it from infected children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scheffler has two children, each under 3 years old.
Scheffler's stubbornness likely played a role in his decision to play through the pain, as he cited the importance of the BMW Championship and his strong play. "I was playing so good, I felt like, if I could knock it out quickly and just get through the first couple rounds, I would still have a chance," he said.
The blisters on his hands were the most challenging aspect of the disease, making it painful to grip his clubs. Scheffler's game improved as the week progressed, with three straight under-par rounds after an opening 72.
Scheffler's decision to play through the pain may have been a poor one, but it's in line with his character. "I've never been one to try and quit," he said. He prioritized rest, but wasn't able to work out or practice as he would have liked.
Despite not successfully defending his BMW Championship title, Scheffler finished the week as No. 1 in the FedEx Cup standings, securing his place atop the bonus money distribution list. He will look to build on this momentum next week at the Tour Championship, where he will be among the short list of potential winners.
Scheffler's throat is still bugging him, but his hands are feeling normal, and he's hopeful that the throat will clear up over the next couple of days. Walking on the course helped him feel better, and he's proud of how he fought through the challenges.
Source: CBS