Scottie Scheffler Rediscovers His Game at Quail Hollow
Just months ago, people were wondering if Scottie Scheffler had lost a step. His early outings in the season lacked their usual sparkle, and every shot seemed a bit more stressful than last year. Now, at the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, we're seeing a different side—the relentless competitor who clawed his way to world No. 1 in the first place.
Scheffler didn't get here by accident. Reports from his camp signal long hours on the range—not just grooving his swing, but also playing simulated rounds to tackle Quail Hollow’s tricky setup. He brought in a new short game coach this spring, looking for an edge on a course where every putt matters. That attention to detail goes hand-in-hand with his focus on Scottie Scheffler’s mental game, which has quietly become his not-so-secret weapon. He's been working with a psychologist, not just practicing visualization, but scripting exact responses for when things go sideways. When he faced a double bogey at a recent event, coaches say, he shrugged it off faster than ever.
The Determination Behind His New Confidence
On the course, Scheffler’s resurgence is all about adaptability. Quail Hollow has a reputation for punishing even the best, with narrow fairways and greens that roll like glass. He’s learning the course shot by shot, paying close attention to wind shifts and pin positions, and adjusting—not just powering through. His pre-tournament practice rounds showed increased use of low, punchy irons, a nod to the tougher early summer weather, and tighter approach play designed to capitalize on birdie opportunities. His stats tell the story: fewer fairways missed, more greens in regulation, and a short game that's bailing him out when others are falling back.
But it isn’t just about numbers. Scheffler is playing with edge—no panic, just a steely drive. Players in his group say he’s as focused between shots as during them, staying detached from distractions. He's also open about past failures, calling his early season troubles a 'wake up,' not an excuse. That humility, paired with the confidence of knowing he's thrived on big stages before, is setting him apart. Scheffler has two major titles, but his hunger for a third isn’t just about adding another trophy—he's cementing a legacy, looking to join the rare air of golf's modern legends.
His journey to the PGA Championship’s contender list proves a season can flip in the blink of an eye. Scheffler’s swing is dialed in, his focus sharper than ever, and the pressure? He seems to relish it. With a few days to go, no one's betting against him being right in the thick of it come Sunday.
