Scottie Scheffler's remarkable consistency on the PGA Tour has been bolstered by significant improvements in his putting, a transformation attributed by rival golfer Robert MacIntyre to both technical adjustments and a crucial "psychological switch."
MacIntyre, a three-season PGA Tour player, noted that Scheffler's turnaround on the greens is not simply a matter of positive thinking, but rather a result of tangible changes. "I think a lot of it is a psychological switch. I think he believes he’s a good putter now," MacIntyre told Sky Sports, as reported by HITC.
Scheffler's putting was once considered the clearest weakness in his otherwise dominant game. During the 2022-23 season, he ranked 162nd on the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting. However, working with putting coach Phil Kenyon, Scheffler simplified his approach and began to trust his instincts more.
Equipment and Technique Adjustments
The shift began with equipment and technique. In March 2024, Scheffler switched from a blade putter to a TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet. This change coincided with a climb to 77th in strokes gained putting for that season. He later adopted a claw-style grip for shorter putts, while continuing to use a conventional grip for longer ones.
These adjustments led to significant statistical gains. By the 2025 season, Scheffler ranked 22nd in strokes gained putting, averaging an increase of 0.362 strokes per round on the greens. This upward trend has continued into 2026, with Scheffler entering the Tour Championship ranked fifth in strokes gained putting and second in putting average on the PGA Tour.
Sustained Performance and Lingering Imperfections
Scheffler's performance at the Tour Championship demonstrated his improved putting, as he reached the weekend at 8 under par, just two shots off the lead after rounds of 65 and 67. He capitalized on opportunities, converting a short birdie putt on the sixth hole and securing a two-putt birdie on the par-5 18th to close out his second round.
Despite the significant progress, Scheffler's putting is not without occasional imperfections. A recent missed makeable birdie putt in a Travelers Championship playoff serves as a reminder that the former weakness has not entirely vanished. However, it is no longer the defining aspect of his game.
MacIntyre's assessment suggests that Scheffler has evolved from being the best ball-striker confronting his most vulnerable aspect of the game to a player where putting has become another recognized strength. The statistics now appear to validate this shift in perception, indicating that Scheffler himself appears to acknowledge this newfound prowess on the greens.