Scottie Scheffler Reveals Struggle With Hand Foot and Mouth Disease at BMW Championship
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler battled through a painful infection of hand, foot, and mouth disease during the BMW Championship, dealing with throat and hand blisters that hampered his grip before finishing tied for 12th place.
The Agony of Playing Through Infection at Caves Valley
The diagnosis surfaced late in the tournament, revealing the physical hurdle facing the four-time major winner during the penultimate event of the FedExCup Playoffs. Scheffler contracted the virus on a Monday night ahead of the tournament, leaving him with painful blisters across his hands, throat, and feet.
The physical toll made standard golf mechanics agonizing at the start of the week. “To start the week it was pretty painful to grip the club,” Scheffler noted in post-tournament remarks. “If I was smarter maybe I would have pulled out but 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.”
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection spreading primarily through bodily fluids. While pediatric populations under five contract the illness most frequently, adult exposure often occurs through close contact with young children. Scheffler and his family care for two children under the age of three.
Weighing Stint on Course Versus Early Withdrawal
Stubbornness played a major role in keeping the top-ranked American on the course. It was suggested that he withdraw, but Scheffler opted to push through the discomfort rather than abandon the field mid-tournament.
“That’s part of my stubbornness – probably a strength of mine and a weakness at times – as I’ve never been one to ever pull out of a tournament, especially in the middle of it,” Scheffler explained to reporters. Despite an opening round of 72, the star rebounded with three consecutive sub-70 rounds to finish the week at 7 under par.
The physical constraints forced a complete overhaul of his preparation routine. Rest took top priority over traditional physical training, practice sessions, and warm-ups. Walking the course proved manageable once adrenaline kicked in, but gripping the club remained the primary impediment.
Navigating Public Health Realities and Event Protocols
The acute phase of the illness caught up with Scheffler’s social instincts on the 18th green. “I actually almost caught myself shaking hands with Cam [Young] on 18; I would have felt really bad. I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I almost forgot,'” Scheffler recalled, highlighting the sudden realization of his contagious state.
Focus Shifts to the Season-Ending Tour Championship
Despite failing to defend his BMW Championship title, Scheffler secured his position at the summit of the FedExCup standings, locking in the number-one spot on the bonus money distribution list. His hands have returned to a normal feeling, though lingering irritation in his throat remained as of Sunday evening.
As the golf world prepares for the final showdown at the Tour Championship, participants will reset to even par under the staggered scoring format.
Scheffler now pivots toward the season’s final weekend, relying on rapid healing over the intervening days to clear his throat and restore his full competitive routine.