Scheffler Powers Through Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease to Finish 12th at BMW Championship

Scottie Scheffler disclosed that he battled hand-foot-and-mouth disease throughout the BMW Championship, yet managed a 12th-place finish after shooting a 2-under 68 on Sunday. The world’s No. 1-ranked golfer acknowledged the viral infection presented significant physical challenges during the tournament week.

Scheffler contracted the illness Monday evening, one day after claiming victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship by eight strokes. The timing proved particularly frustrating for the golfer, who described the initial symptoms as “pretty painful” when attempting to grip his club during competition.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, a viral condition typically affecting children, produces painful blisters on the hands, feet and mouth along with fever and sore throat symptoms. Medical professionals have identified no cure for the illness, forcing Scheffler to compete through the discomfort without pharmaceutical intervention.

The 30-year-old acknowledged his decision to remain in the tournament rather than withdraw demonstrated both his competitive nature and stubborn determination. With his No. 1 ranking already secured and seeding irrelevant for next week’s Tour Championship at East Lake, Scheffler conceded that withdrawing would have been the more prudent choice.

Scheffler reported gradual improvement as the week progressed, though he remained symptomatic heading into the Tour Championship, which begins Thursday. His hands had recovered substantially by Sunday, though he continued experiencing throat discomfort.