Scottie Scheffler’s streak of consecutive cuts made has concluded at the Genesis Scottish Open. This marks the first time since August 2022 that Scheffler has missed a cut, ending a run of 78 successive weekend tournament appearances. His early departure from the tournament was noted by fellow golfer Jon Rahm, who expressed surprise at the news.
Scheffler finished the second round at two over par, missing the cut by two strokes. His performance at the Renaissance Club means he will not play the weekend rounds, providing an earlier-than-expected trip to Royal Birkdale for next week’s Open Championship. This outcome contrasts with his consistent play over the past two years, where he had maintained a remarkable record of making cuts and frequently contending for victories.
Scheffler’s Consistent Performance
Before this week, Scheffler had played every weekend of every one of his starts since the Players Championship in 2023, a total of 67 tournaments. This period included a dominant stretch where he often had a chance to win, even in major and elevated events. His streak of finishing within the top 25 also ended at 37, with his last finish outside the top 25 occurring 23 months ago at the 2024 BMW Championship, where he finished T33.
Rahm highlighted Scheffler’s consistent presence in contention, stating, “It seemed like he was always in the hunt. Like no matter what, come Sunday, the back nine, even if it was an outside chance, he was there with a chance. That was the most impressive part. Including the majors and elevated events. Yeah, it’s incredible.” Scheffler himself acknowledged his pride in the consistency, noting that some recent tournaments, particularly Signature Events, have been held without a cut.
Despite the end of his streak, Scheffler expressed a pragmatic view, indicating that the early departure allows him to get to Royal Birkdale sooner and familiarize himself with the new course for the upcoming Open Championship. This perspective aligns with his focus on preparing for the next major event.
Other Players in Contention
While Scheffler’s tournament concluded early, other prominent golfers are in strong positions at the Genesis Scottish Open. Rory McIlroy is tied for the lead at nine-under par, alongside Jordan Smith and Tom Kim. McIlroy, the world No. 2, maintained his share of the lead after a second-round 66, following an opening-round 65.
McIlroy’s performance included four birdies on the front nine, and he managed to recover from a bogey on the par-four 13th with an immediate birdie on the 14th. He described his play as solid, despite strengthening winds in the afternoon, and feels well-positioned for the weekend. “It would have been nice to be a couple better but it’s obviously another solid day and I’m in a great position going into the weekend,” McIlroy commented.
A competitive field sees 12 players within two shots of the lead and 37 within five. Matt Fitzpatrick is one shot back at eight under, following a round of 65 that included five successive birdies on the back nine. Australia’s Min Woo Lee is also at eight under. Home favorite Bob MacIntyre, the 2024 winner, is in a group on seven under after a strong finish with four birdies over the final six holes, alongside last year’s champion Chris Gotterup.
In addition to Scheffler, other notable players who missed the cut include Ludvig Åberg, Xander Schauffele, and PGA champion Aaron Rai. The Genesis Scottish Open continues with live coverage on Saturday.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
