Scheffler Says He Is 95 Percent Recovered for Tour Championship

Scottie Scheffler told reporters at East Lake Golf Club on Wednesday that he is about 95 percent recovered from hand, foot and mouth disease, the viral illness that hampered his play at last week's BMW Championship. The world No. 1 said the blisters that affected his grip have healed and his swing speed is back to normal ahead of Thursday's opening round of the Tour Championship.

How Did Scheffler Contract the Illness?

Scheffler said he caught the virus from his infant son, Bennett, after his eight-shot win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. Hand, foot and mouth disease produces fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet, which made gripping a club through impact difficult during tournament rounds.

How Did He Perform While Sick?

At the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Scheffler opened with a 3-over 38 on his first nine holes, when the blisters were freshest. He recovered from there, playing his final 63 holes at 3 under par and closing with a bogey-free back nine on Sunday.

He finished tied for 12th at 1 under.

Scheffler shot a Sunday 68 while barely able to squeeze the grip; the illness slowed him, but it never stopped him.

Where Does He Stand Physically Now?

Scheffler said the three-day gap between St. Louis and Atlanta let his hands heal fully. Practice-round TrackMan numbers at East Lake showed his driver ball speed back in his season-long range of 178-181 mph, and he reported no lingering issues with his short game or wedge touch.

Why Does the Starting Format Matter This Year?

Scheffler's recovery lines up with a change to how the Tour Championship is scored. Previous seasons gave the FedExCup points leader a head start of up to 10 strokes under par before the tournament began. In 2026, that staggered start has been removed, and all 30 qualifiers open Thursday at even par across 72 holes of stroke play. Scheffler enters as the +310 betting favorite.