After a challenging second round at the 2025 U.S. Open, golfer Scottie Scheffler and his longtime coach experienced a tense moment during their practice session. The incident occurred following Scheffler’s 1-over performance on Friday at Oakmont Country Club, where the course’s difficult conditions tested many competitors.

The frustrations from the day boiled over during practice, as reported by ESPN’s Andy North, who described the interaction between Scheffler and his coach as them getting

“going at each other a little bit.”

Despite this, the session was a momentary release of tension rather than a serious conflict.

Pressure of Oakmont’s Demanding Course

Scheffler entered the third round at 4-over par, reflecting the difficulty presented by Oakmont Country Club’s thick rough and fast greens, which are notorious for challenging players. Many contenders expressed their struggles, with notable moments from Rory McIlroy, who barely made the cut after smashing a tee marker in frustration but managed a birdie on the 18th hole to stay at 6-over. Shane Lowry and Scottie Scheffler were also visible in their dissatisfaction with the course conditions.

Understanding the Coach-Player Dynamics

Andy North emphasized that such heated exchanges are not unusual on the PGA Tour, as players and coaches deal with the pressure of elite competition. He remarked on SportsCenter:

“When he finished his round last night, he had a practice session, like most players do. It got a little bit heated. It went a little bit longer than he probably would’ve liked it. And he was really struggling striking the ball. He’s working with his teacher, who he’s worked with his entire career, since he was a little kid. They got going at each other a little bit, and I think that’s expected.” —Andy North, ESPN Analyst

North also shared insights into the necessity of these emotional moments during intense tournaments, saying:

“When you sign on as a caddie or a teacher to these top players, you know there’s some times where you get yelled at. Well, you have to do that as a player. You have to get rid of that frustration because if you don’t, it’s only going to get worse and worse. They got through that last night. He had a good warm-up this morning. Hopefully, he can go out and play some good golf today.” —Andy North, ESPN Analyst

Current Standings and Outlook for the Weekend

Heading into Saturday, Sam Burns leads the tournament at 3-under par, closely followed by J.J. Spaun at 2-under after a bogey-free opening round. Viktor Hovland stands in third place at 1-under, the only other player maintaining a score below par after two rounds. Adam Scott and Benjamin Griffin are tied for fourth at even par.

The combination of demanding course layout and tough weather conditions has created a competitive and emotionally charged atmosphere among the players. Scheffler’s challenge with his swing and the interaction with his coach exemplify the high levels of pressure faced by top golfers during major championships.

Implications of the Practice Session Incident for Scheffler

The behind-the-scenes tension between Scottie Scheffler and his coach highlights the mental strain athletes endure at critical moments. While the heated practice session may appear concerning, the quick resolution and positive warm-up on Saturday morning suggest Scheffler is refocused. How he performs in the upcoming rounds could depend on how well he channels this frustration into improved play on the difficult Oakmont course.