Scottie Scheffler Fights to Stay in U.S. Open Contention

OAKMONT, Pa. — Scottie Scheffler completed his second round at the U.S. Open on Friday, finishing at 4-over-par and placing him eight shots behind the leader. Despite the setback, Scheffler is not ready to concede defeat.

“There were some times today where you feel like you could give up, just based on how difficult the golf course is,” Scheffler said following his round. “But at the U.S. Open, I don’t think you’re ever out of the tournament. If I can put together two decent days, I may still have a chance to catch up.”

Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, shot a 1-over 71 on Friday, ending with a bogey on the par-4 9th hole. He acknowledged that he had struggles off the tee but exhibited patience, taking a cautious approach on crucial shots.

“Being 3-over-par for the tournament and the lead a few under par, that could be an area where you may try to force something,” Scheffler explained. “But I think forcing it around this course isn’t a good idea. You’ve got to hit fairways and greens. Hopefully, I’ll do that this weekend.”

He began the day with a birdie on No. 10, signaling to competitors that he was ready. However, the back nine proved challenging, playing more than 2 ½ shots harder than the front nine. After making two bogeys early in his second round, he found himself in danger of missing the cut.

Rain is predicted for Saturday, which Scheffler believes could work to his advantage as he tees off earlier in the day. The course’s difficulty was highlighted by past U.S. Open champions, with history showing that only 23 players have finished under par in previous tournaments at Oakmont.

BetMGM still favors Scheffler, giving him the third-best odds at +1000, trailing Sam Burns and Viktor Hovland. As he prepares for the weekend, golf fans are left to wonder if Scheffler can draw on his recent performances, where he previously overcame larger deficits.