World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened the BMW Championship with a 2-over-par 72 on Thursday at Bellerive Country Club, a result that left him with ground to make up in the FedExCup Playoffs.
Scheffler started slowly, posting three straight bogeys and standing four over through his first seven holes before steadying himself to limit further damage. The score marked his highest opening round since the U.S. Open in June.
The performance stood in sharp contrast to his dominant showing a week earlier, when he claimed the FedEx St. Jude Championship by eight strokes. Scheffler entered the BMW Championship as the defending champion and the clear leader in the FedExCup standings.
After the round, Scheffler skipped his usual media session. According to reports, “Scheffler’s voice was hoarse when he said he didn’t want to stop to talk, saying only that he was sick as he headed for the locker room.”
He was described as feeling “under the weather” during the opening round. Scheffler typically makes himself available to reporters no matter the score, making Thursday’s departure notable.
His statistics reflected the difficult day. Scheffler ranked 48th in the field in strokes gained on approach and 47th in strokes gained putting. He lost 2.065 strokes with his irons and 2.373 strokes on the greens.
Driving offered a brighter spot, as he ranked 23rd in strokes gained off the tee. He also placed 11th in strokes gained around the green.
The challenge now centers on a quick recovery ahead of Friday’s second round while managing his health and staying in contention at Bellerive.
While Scheffler labored, Rory McIlroy carded a bogey-free 64 to share the lead. The round came after a disappointing FedEx St. Jude Championship, where McIlroy failed to break par in any round following a four-week break after the Open Championship.
McIlroy said he returned home to work with swing coach Michael Bannon after Memphis.
“I went home and I worked on a few things and at least got myself back in a frame of mind where like I felt like I’m at least back on the right path of what I’m doing with my game and with my swing,” McIlroy said. “It’s certainly a work in progress. Days like this are encouraging, obviously. There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Gary Woodland also opened with a 64. Wyndham Clark and J.J. Spaun each shot 65, while Matt Fitzpatrick posted a 66.
The BMW Championship carries added weight because only the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings after this week advance to the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake.
Woodland began the week at No. 31 and therefore has a clear target in St. Louis.
“I can promise you East Lake wasn’t on my mind to start the year,” Woodland said.
For Scheffler, the immediate priority differs. After his strong victory in Memphis, he must bounce back from a tough opening round, address his illness, and try to remain competitive at Bellerive as the playoffs continue.
