Scottie Scheffler has been one of the most dominant forces in golf recently, but his relentless schedule might be catching up with him. In May 2025 alone, Scheffler played competitive golf on 11 of the first 24 days, winning both the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and the prestigious PGA Championship. However, that non-stop streak of play and travel now seems to have led to physical consequences.
During the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at the Colonial Country Club—just days after lifting the Wanamaker Trophy—Scheffler showed visible signs of discomfort. On the par-4 second hole, while attempting a powerful tee shot, he appeared to overexert himself, grabbing at his back shortly after the swing. Footage circulating online showed him wincing, which led to widespread concern about a potential injury.
At the time, Scheffler was already struggling to maintain a strong round, sitting at 1-over par and flirting with the projected cut line. While he managed to add a birdie later in the round, a bogey on the 9th brought him back to 1-over 71 for the day—far from his usual top-tier performance. Statistically, the round was below his standard, particularly in strokes gained, despite some improvements in driving accuracy.
This physical strain adds to the broader concern about whether Scheffler is overworking himself. Earlier in the year, he was sidelined for nearly a month due to a hand injury sustained during a freak accident over the holiday season. Upon his return, he experienced a difficult stretch, failing to secure a win in eight consecutive starts. He eventually bounced back, regaining form with victories at TPC Craig Ranch and Quail Hollow in quick succession.
However, the timing of his appearance at the Charles Schwab Challenge is being heavily scrutinized. Critics and fans alike have questioned why Scheffler chose to participate in a regular event immediately after a grueling major tournament victory. Some argue he could have taken the opportunity to rest, perhaps skipping either this tournament or the upcoming Canadian Open, while focusing on preparation for the U.S. Open.
Comparisons have been drawn to other golfers like Jordan Spieth, who also maintains a packed schedule but is arguably under more pressure due to a longer winless streak. Scheffler, by contrast, had just secured one of the biggest victories of his career and arguably had less to prove at this stage.
Now, with the U.S. Open drawing near, the spotlight is firmly on Scheffler’s health. If his back issue proves serious, it could jeopardize his readiness for another major championship. The coming days will be critical in determining whether he can recover in time, or if his ambitious calendar will cost him when it matters most.