Scottie Scheffler reveals painful battle with viral illness: What happened?

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one golfer, played through severe pain stemming from a viral illness during the BMW Championship. The reigning FedEx St Jude champion finished tied for 12th place, a result that seemed ordinary compared to his excellent form just a few days earlier. It was only later revealed that Scheffler had contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease, an illness typically affecting young children and causing blisters on the hands, throat, and feet.

Competing with sores on his body was agonizing, particularly with grip pressure being crucial in golf. Despite acknowledging that pulling out might have been the better decision, Scheffler's stubbornness drove him to continue playing. His preparation suffered due to rest taking precedence over practice and warm-up routines. Scheffler's decision to play through his illness showcased both his strength and a potential weakness.

By the weekend, his throat was still bothering him, but he felt like he was on the mend. The BMW Championship was won by Wyndham Clark, with Scheffler finishing tied for 12th. As the Tour Championship approaches, Scheffler is aiming for a second FedExCup title and focuses on recovering from his illness.