Scottie Scheffler Concedes 32-Foot Putt After Fan Disruption

Scottie Scheffler conceded a 32-foot par putt to Nico Echavarria on the 14th hole at Medinah on Sunday, waving off the Colombian's attempt after a fan's shout during Echavarria's backswing had thrown off his tee shot.

What did Scheffler do on the 14th hole?

Scheffler led the singles match 3 up with five holes to play when Echavarria stepped up to hit his tee shot on the 490-yard par-4. As Echavarria began his swing, a spectator yelled toward Scheffler, and Echavarria's drive sailed well right. He dropped his club in frustration. Scheffler walked toward the disturbance and shouted at the fan, making clear the interruption was unacceptable.

Echavarria's third shot ran over the back of the green, leaving a 32-foot par putt. Scheffler, 17 feet from the hole in two, missed his own birdie try. Rather than make Echavarria play the long par putt, Scheffler picked up the ball and conceded the hole, halving it.

Did the concession cost Scheffler the match?

It did not. Echavarria chipped in for birdie on the par-3 16th to cut his deficit to 2 down with two holes to play, briefly raising the stakes on Scheffler's decision. But Scheffler's approach on the par-4 17th settled inside 40 feet while Echavarria's ran through the green, and Scheffler closed out the match 2 and 1.

Scheffler picked up his opponent's ball from 32 feet rather than make him play a hole marred by a fan's interruption.

"It's just ridiculous, somebody yelling in his swing off the tee. There's absolutely no place for that," Scheffler said afterward, adding that players should get a period of silence before hitting a shot.

The win gave Scheffler a 3-1 record for the week, his best mark at either a Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup, after being sat out of Saturday's foursomes session. NBC's broadcast relayed the gesture to Scheffler's wife, Meredith, who was reportedly moved by the news.