At the 2025 Open Championship in Portrush, Northern Ireland, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler faced renewed difficulties with his putting, exposing a continuing challenge that contrasts sharply with his putting success on American courses. Despite his dominant performance on the PGA Tour, where Scheffler ranks 22nd in strokes gained putting this year, his struggles on the traditional links style of golf that defines The Open reveal a gap he has yet to close.
During the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, Scheffler notably lost strokes on the greens for only the third time this season, a sign that the intricacies of putting on links terrain remain outside his comfort zone. A defining moment came on the 13th green Sunday, where Scheffler’s 7-foot birdie putt began tracking favorably but veered away near the cup, leaving him visibly perplexed and frustrated.
Known for his precision off the tee and superior control of ball distance, spin, and flight—skills that many regard as unparalleled in professional golf—Scheffler’s inability to translate those abilities into consistent putting success on links greens invites questions on what hinders him so markedly on these courses. Standing over the missed putt, he gestured to his caddie, Ted Scott, as if asking,
What else do I have to do?
capturing a rare moment of doubt amid his otherwise composed demeanor.
Understanding the Unique Demands of Putting on Links Greens
Scheffler has acknowledged that adapting to the slower green speeds typical of links golf represents his primary hurdle. Plagued by the influence of weather and softer, less consistent putting surfaces, the traditional factors that impact links greens require a refined approach beyond the flat, fast conditions common in the U.S.
He explained,
It’s a little bit of a slower green speed, and that’s just based on necessity because you get much more – the elements are much more of a factor,
before continuing,
Getting used to the speed, I would say, is the most important. Outside of that, putting is putting. Golf is still golf, no matter where you’re playing.
However, golf insiders and competitors argue that putting on links courses demands more than standard skills. Robert MacIntyre, the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open champion, highlighted subtle distinctions between American and links putting, emphasizing the grass type, the understated slopes, and especially the wind’s capricious effect.
Compared to America? I mean, so different,
MacIntyre said.
For one, the grass is different. The slopes are more subtle. When you play in the regular Tour, whether it’s PGA TOUR, DP World Tour, the slopes are normally just, they’re there. They’re obvious. But as you play links golf, it’s very subtle.
He further noted the role of wind, stating,
The wind, if it blows 20 mph, it’s hard to stand the way you normally stand because you’ve got to try and brace yourself for the wind that’s gusting. It’s not just a constant buffer, so you start moving a bit. Thankfully, I’m used to that.
Xander Schauffele, defending Open champion, reinforced these challenges.
Putting is always tricky with wind. There’s some holes where the mounds cover the greens and some holes that are more exposed where the wind is going to affect the ball on the green,
he commented, underscoring the dynamic nature of links greens compared to other venues.
The Role of Experience and Emotional Control in Links Success
Links golf, with its reliance on variable conditions and strategic complexity, is widely viewed as one of the most demanding formats in professional golf. Its challenges are so distinct that experience often outweighs pure power or technical skill. Consequently, older players frequently remain competitive at The Open, leveraging years of accumulated knowledge.
Scheffler, despite his prolific skills in driving and approach play, is still relatively early in his journey with links golf. Having played in four Opens, he is gaining familiarity but has yet to master the nuances that separate contenders in these events. His creativity and ability to manipulate ball trajectory and spin position him well to handle wind and uneven surfaces, yet the putting difficulties persist.
His reaction to the recent missed putt reflects the pressure he feels. When asked about his state of mind Tuesday following the Scottish Open, Scheffler admitted,
I think at times this year I may have gotten overly frustrated,
adding,
I think it’s just part of the game. I think part of the game is controlling your emotions and controlling your mind.
Indeed, emotions have tested Scheffler far more on links courses than on the American circuit, where his putting has been nearly flawless. As he prepares to defend his title at The Open, the world No. 1 must focus on refining his putting on links greens to meet the high expectations placed on him as a favorite.
What Lies Ahead for Scheffler at The Open and Beyond
Scottie Scheffler’s putting challenges on links courses represent a critical obstacle as he seeks to convert his overall dominance into major championship victories abroad. His struggles in Scotland highlight the gap between U.S. putting success and the particular demands of The Open, emphasizing that raw skill alone may not suffice.
The upcoming rounds at The Open will test his ability to adapt swiftly, manage his emotions under pressure, and unlock the final part of his game puzzle that has caused frustration in recent years. Success here could signify a breakthrough moment, allowing Scheffler to balance his skills across all surfaces and firmly establish himself as a complete player on golf’s biggest stages.
If he overcomes these putting challenges, Scheffler’s all-around talents suggest he could soon threaten the historical records and major wins that have eluded him at links events until now.