Frustrated Scheffler slams driver, could miss cut at U.S. Open - ESPN

PINEHURST, N.C. — There was nowhere else for Scottie Scheffler to let out his frustration. So after his tee shot on the 18th hole veered out to the left and landed in the native area, Scheffler took his driver and slammed it to the ground. The sound it made was followed by a surprised silence from the Pinehurst galleries. For Scheffler, it wasn't enough. He grabbed his tee and threw it in disgust.

It was that kind of day for the No. 1 player in the world.

After grinding his way to a round of 1-over 71 on Thursday, Scheffler fell victim to Pinehurst No. 2's devilish greens Friday, carding two bogeys, one double bogey and zero birdies (for the first time in 168 rounds) on his way to a 74. He finished at 5 over and is in danger of missing the cut at a major for the first time since the 2022 PGA Championship.

«It was definitely a grind,» Scheffler said. «Yesterday I felt like I played really well and got a lot out of my game, which I feel like I've done a good job of this year. Today was kind of the opposite.»

Scheffler still gained shots on the field with his stellar approach game, but his short game and putting failed him. Nowhere was that more evident than on the par-5 fifth hole.

After a 322-yard drive, Scheffler attempted to attack the left pin on the green in two shots. The ball landed on the surface but immediately trickled off the green and into the native area well below the hole. His first attempt at a chip onto the green didn't make it and rolled back to his feet. He played his second well past the flag, and that went over the green. When the putt for bogey missed the hole, all Scheffler could do was chuckle at his troubles.

«That's part of the mystery of the kind of sandy areas. You get down there, and it's kind