Scottie Scheffler struggles behind the leaders at the Masters

In the United States on April 11, 2025, Scottie Scheffler faced difficulties during his second round in the Masters tournament, which is being held at Augusta National Golf Club. As the defending champion, he was aiming to maintain his position in the competition. His performance saw him unable to keep pace with the leaders, currently being three strokes behind after finishing the day with a one-under par 71. The challenging conditions included swirling winds that made the course particularly difficult, especially on the back nine where Scheffler made several mistakes, leading to a total of five bogeys throughout the round. Throughout the first half of the tournament, Scheffler exhibited his skills, notably during the earlier part of the second round. He achieved a roll of good fortune after his shot on the par-3 12th hole initially seemed troubled, ending up in the azalea bushes, yet the ball emerged in a position allowing him to make a chip for a birdie. However, as the round progressed, the conditions became more tumultuous. Foggy skies and gusty winds started affecting his shots, particularly on holes 16 and 18, resulting in both a bogey and a more difficult recovery shot from under a magnolia tree that him to sit and address the ball from his knees. The reactions from Scheffler after the round illustrated his recognition of the issues he faced, including his failure to hit fairways consistently, which subsequently led to difficulties in executing successful recovery shots. His remarks emphasized the challenging nature of the course under those conditions, highlighting the impact the wind had on play. Scheffler's focus now shifts to the third round, where he needs to improve upon his performance to have a chance of reclaiming the lead. As he aims to not only defend his title but also become part of an elite group of golfers—those who have won consecutive Masters tournaments—Scheffler remains a favorite among fans and players alike. He needs to sharpen his game over the weekend to make up for the time lost during this second round. This tournament marks significant milestones for Scheffler, with him also being a new father, making the event a special occasion beyond just competitive golf. As spectators and fellow competitors prepare for the remainder of the Masters, attention will undoubtedly turn to how Scheffler rebounds in the upcoming rounds in pursuit of his second consecutive green jacket.