Scottie Scheffler throws almighty tantrum at Genesis Invitational as flaw brutally exposed

Scottie Scheffler throws almighty tantrum at Genesis Invitational as flaw brutally exposed

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 16/02/2024

- 13:43

Scottie Scheffler has had a tough time of it of late on the putting green and that's continued at Riviera Country Club.

Scottie Scheffler is in contention at the Genesis Invitational after the first round but he wasn't entirely happy with his performance and let his frustrations get the better of him at one stage.

Patrick Cantlay led the way at Riviera on Thursday with an impressive round of 64, but there's a strong chasing pack behind him with the likes of Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Will Zalatoris within touching distance.


Scheffler is four shots back having shot a three-under par round of 68, which on the face of it appears to be a solid start.

He led the way for shots gained from tee to green and was one of the best for shots gained off the tee.

Scottie Scheffler launched his ball into the trees

Scottie Scheffler launched his ball into the trees

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But it was on the putting surface where Scheffler lost his way with some dismal attempts throughout the round.

He ranked 65th out of the 70 players in the field at Riviera for shots gained from putting.

It didn't start out bad as Scheffler holed a 40-foot eagle on the very first hole.

However, Scheffler's putting woes were there for all to see on the next 10 holes as he missed six birdie attempts as well as making a costly bogey on the par-three fourth hole.

It all became too much for the American on the par-five 11th hole with Scheffler three-putting to save par.

Scheffler bent over in disbelief after his birdie attempt missed and he lost his temper walking off the green as he launched his ball into the tree in a fit of rage.

He was seen giving himself a pep talk as he walked up to the 12th tee but he dropped a shot with his second bogey of the day.

Scheffler's putting woes continued on the 16th when he missed an effort from inside 10 feet.

So furious he was with the missed putt that Scheffler appeared close to snapping his putter over his leg.

Scottie Scheffler was unhappy with his short game

Scottie Scheffler was unhappy with his short game

GETTY

It was a similar story at last week's Phoenix Open when Scheffler uncharacteristically blurted out a loud "f***!" after missing a birdie putt from close range.

His putting has proven costly with the 27-year-old seen as one of the best players from tee to green.

Scheffler was at his very best when he won the Hero World Challenge at the beginning of December.

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Scottie Scheffler has been struggling with the flat stick

Scottie Scheffler has been struggling with the flat stick

GETTY

And he's finished inside the top six of three of the four last tournaments, but his putting has let him down.

Scheffler will be hoping to find something working with his putter this weekend to keep in contention with the leaders at the Genesis Invitational.

Tiger Woods is also back playing on an official PGA Tour event this week for the first time since last year's Masters.

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