Scottie Scheffler Struggled During 2nd Round Of Arnold Palmer

The third signature event of the 2026 PGA season is proving difficult for the pros on the field.  The Arnold Palmer, being held at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, is one of those courses known for its difficulty.  Justin Thomas, who just made his return after a lengthy recovery, missed the cut this Friday.  Even some of the top players are struggling on the course, including Scottie Scheffler.

Scottie Scheffler During Round Two

This past Friday, Scheffler was feeling the pressure of the course.  He did make the cut with his first two rounds, ending in scores of 70 and 71.  However, there were a few moments that got to him.  During the 15th hole on Friday, he believed he had a perfect aim.  Instead, he found his ball bounced directly into a bunker.  On the 18th hole on Friday, Scheffler had the chance to save a par on the green.  It was a ten-foot putt; he took the shot, but the ball veered off course just enough to miss the hole.  After tapping the ball into the hole and retrieving it, Scheffler had a rare moment of expressing his frustration by chucking it into the water.

Scheffler Vents To The Reporters.

After losing his par, Scheffler had a post-round interview with the reporters where he began describing his frustrations with the course.  He told the following to the Associated Press:

“You can always hit it softer. I was surprised the ball picked up speed as it was rolling. There’s no friction. When the ball starts rolling, you’re at the mercy of the wind and the bumps.”  Scheffler added, “It’s been like this before. Typically, here, if you go late Friday, they’re pretty much already dead. It’s not anything unusual. It’s a good test. It’s hard. There are certain holes that get a little silly because the run-ups are soft and the greens are so firm. But it’s like that every year. This year is actually less windy.  If we had crazy wind, they probably would have had to stop.”

Scheffler isn’t alone in his frustrations.  Justin Thomas had his own troubles and has stated that he was glad that he wasn’t playing into the weekend with how this field is.  Players like Theegala, Bhatia, and Morikawa have expressed the difficulty the course provides, although Theegala and Bhatia stated that they do like the challenge.  This challenge is by design.  Former PGA pro and grandson of the tournament’s namesake, Sam Saunders, has stated that this tournament is meant to challenge every skill that a golfer would have.  He went on to say that the pros need to keep their skills sharp for this course.

It Could Get Worse For The Players

After the second round, Scottie Scheffler gave the following statement on the tournament.

“They’re already dead. I’m not sure how much deader they can get. Like, 15 is completely dead.”

This course is a struggle, but it could always get worse for everyone involved.  Scheffler mentioned that there wasn’t even wind this time, but that could easily change at a moment’s notice.  At the time of writing, the third round is wrapping up with Rory McIlroy having to withdraw. The event even had a delay due to rain.  Who knows what could happen tomorrow for the final round?