Scottie Scheffler explains surprise decision to decline free drop at Procore Championship

Scheffler’s opening round of 70 meant he fell just short of extending his streak of sub-70 rounds to 22, missing out on the chance to set a new record.

He had been level with Patrick Cantlay at 21 straight rounds in the 60s going into the tournament, but that impressive run ended in Napa.

It was not surprising he did not finish with a birdie, given the situation he found himself in on the last hole.

Scheffler’s tee shot went wide, landing near a tree whose overhanging branches obstructed his backswing.

He managed to get back into play, but only onto the 16th fairway, where a large scoreboard and tented area stood between him and the green. That setup allowed him to take a free drop under the ‘temporary immovable obstruction’ rule.

The rule lets players move their ball when something like grandstands or scoreboards, set up for tournament week, blocks their view of the pin.

So it was unexpected when Scheffler chose not to take the free drop. After his round, he clarified why he made that decision on Thursday’s final hole.

“Oh yeah. I was behind all those tents and a scoreboard, and I would have liked to have been able to see the pin when I was hitting my approach,” Scheffler stated.

“Granted you should probably be on the correct hole while doing that, but I could have gotten relief from like either one of them [the scoreboard or tent] but both of them would have brought me into rough so it wasn’t quite worth it.”

Scheffler’s situation fuels TIO rule debate among fans

Plenty of golf fans have been pushing for a change to the TIO rule, arguing that professionals should play the ball as it lies unless there is a genuine safety concern.

Scheffler’s situation renewed frustration over the rule, as he opted against relief that would worsen his position.

He managed to clear the obstacles between himself and the green, though it raised questions about whether players should receive free drops after hitting into entirely the wrong area.

Sticking with his original position forced him to get creative, navigating an iron shot over both a tree and scoreboard blocking his path. He still found the putting surface, showing again why top players often find ways around these challenges without needing extra help from the rules.