Is Scottie Scheffler cracking under pressure? The hidden struggle of golf's No. 1

For the first time in his career, Scottie Scheffler’s trademark calm deserted him and sending shockwaves through the golfing world. The American, known for his composed demeanor, has been dominating the sport since rising to the top in 2022. However, the 28-year-old world No. 1 shocked fans when he slammed his club into his bag in frustration during the recent PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club.

The incident occurred during the third round of the Genesis Invitational, where Scheffler struggled to find his rhythm. After a wayward drive on the 14th hole, he vented his frustration with an uncharacteristic outburst. This rare display of emotion has sparked debate about whether Scheffler is beginning to crack under the pressure of maintaining his place at the top of the world golf rankings.

Widely regarded as one of the best golfers in the world, Scheffler boasts an impressive record, including four PGA Tour wins in 2023, highlighted by his Masters triumph. However, the pressure to perform may be taking its toll. For years, Scheffler’s ability to stay composed has been his greatest asset — but is that starting to change?

The mental challenges of performing under pressure as world No. 1

Golf is one of the most mentally demanding sports, and staying at the top can be overwhelming. Scheffler’s outburst has reignited discussions about the psychological toll of being world No. 1. The expectations are relentless, and the margin for error is razor-thin. One bad shot can lead to a downward spiral of self-doubt and frustration.

The American has been dealing with his fair share of challenges, both on and off the course. He suffered a freak injury recently while preparing ravioli on Christmas Day, and it left him with a punctured hand and in need of surgery. He returned from injury to make his 2025 debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Scheffler’s situation underscores the mental and physical demands of performing at the highest level. The constant scrutiny, the weight of expectation, and the fear of slipping down the rankings can wear down even the most composed golfers. In Scheffler’s case, he had to adapt to playing with an injury, relying on his hands more than usual, which can be unpredictable in golf.

With Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy breathing down his neck, the big question remains: is this just a minor bump in the road, or is it a warning sign of a decline in Scheffler’s dominance? Fans are eagerly waiting to find out.