Amanda Balionis was in stitches as Scottie Scheffler stumbled. (Image: CBS Sports)
Scottie Scheffler might have appeared seamless on the course during the third round of the PGA Championship, but he was soon stuttering and bumbling off it. The world No.1 was at his mercurial best at Quail Hollow on Saturday, shooting a 65 to leave him 11-under-par.
Scheffler will tee off on Sunday three clear of Swede Alex Noren in second place. The American now appears odds-on to claim a third major title, and his first PGA crown, after rivals Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm faltered in the closing stages of their respective third rounds. However, Scheffler was anything but his usual composed self when he sat down for his post-round interview with Amanda Balionis.
The conversation was initially delayed by Scheffler coughing uncontrollably, to which Balionis joked about the number of allergies being affected by the weather conditions. The 28-year-old then joked: “Sorry, I’m just nervous.”
Asked what he was most proud of from his display, Scheffler started speaking before having to again apologise, saying: “Yeah, I hung in there really well today. I got off to a (coughs), sorry…”
Scheffler finished his third round three clear art the top. (Image: Getty)
At that point, CBS reporter Balionis took matters into her own hands and told Scheffler: “We can get you some water.” The star was duly handed a bottle and proceeded to take several swigs before settling himself.
Although he continued to look uncomfortable, Scheffler did manage to answer one question without disruption. He was asked about his reaction to his birdies on the 17th and 18th, where he showed rare emotion.
“It was an important time in the round,” he explained. “I wanted to finish off the round the right way, and I was able to gain some momentum there with the eagle on 14. I hit some good shots down the stretch, and it was nice to be able to take advantage of that.”
However, the world’s best player was anything but complacent when asked what was needed to get over the line on Sunday, replying: “More good golf. I have some great players chasing me on the leaderboard, and it’s going to take another really good round.”
