Scottie Scheffler uncharacteristically upset over PGA Championship rules decision

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Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, appeared to turn some heads at the PGA Championship Thursday. 

The normally even-keeled and quiet golfer took exception to the PGA of America's decision not to play lift, clean, place for the first round of the PGA Championship at the soggy Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. 

The PGA of America is the governing body of the tournament, which is the second major of the season. 

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Scottie Scheffler tees off on the third hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)

On Wednesday, the organization released a statement saying it would "play the ball down, as it lies." The announcement came after the course was doused with several inches of rain before the first round.

Several players were effectively forced to contend with what is often referred to as "mud balls," making the trajectory of hit balls less manageable.

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Scheffler hit a tee shot to the middle of the fairway on hole No. 16, and the shot hooked to the left and went into the water for a double bogey.

Scottie Scheffler hits a tee shot on the 11th hole prior to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club May 14, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

"This is going to be the last answer that I give on playing it up or down,’’ Scheffler said. "I mean, I don’t make the rules. I think when you’re looking at the purest forms of golf, like if you’re going to go play links golf, there’s absolutely no reason on a links golf course you should play the ball up. It