Scheffler's Missed Putts Stall Climb at The Open, But He Remains the Favorite
Scottie Scheffler finished the second round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale four shots behind leader Lucas Herbert, with an uncharacteristically cold putter preventing him from climbing closer to the top of the leaderboard. Despite missing only two greens in regulation, Scheffler failed to convert five putts from inside 15 feet, with several attempts finishing just short or catching the edge of the cup. Following the round, Scheffler became the betting favorite after Bryson DeChambeau's two-stroke penalty.
Scheffler's Struggles at Royal Birkdale
Scheffler's two missed greens both resulted in pars. The first came at the par-3 fourth, where his tee shot settled on the back fringe. The second occurred on the closing hole after he pulled his drive into the left rough, forcing his approach into a greenside bunker. He splashed out to 8 feet, 3 inches and converted the par save. Scheffler's putting, once the weakest part of his game, has improved significantly: from 162nd in Strokes Gained: Putting in 2023 to 77th in 2024, 22nd in 2025, and currently 19th this season. However, through two rounds at Royal Birkdale, he has lost roughly two strokes to the field on the greens.
Rising Betting Odds and Season Performance
Scheffler's 2026 season has featured one victory, two playoff losses, and nine top-five finishes. He believes his ball-striking continues to put him in position to contend. 'I did a lot of good stuff,' Scheffler told Yahoo Sports. 'I gave myself a lot of opportunities. Wish I holed a few more putts.' His ability to consistently hit greens in regulation keeps him competitive, but his putting struggles have cost him crucial strokes in this tournament.
Global capital flows are monitoring Scheffler's performance for its potential impact on betting markets and sports-focused investment segments. While short-term fluctuations may arise from his Royal Birkdale rounds, long-term trends will likely hinge on broader macroeconomic factors. His ball-striking metrics, however, suggest sustained competitiveness. For risk-on/risk-off dynamics, The Open's outcome could briefly influence liquidity preferences in niche markets. Yet, the broader implications remain tied to systemic economic indicators rather than individual athletic performances.