Scottie Scheffler refuses to answer ‘awful’ question after superb Masters round | Golf | Sport

Scottie Scheffler produced a career-low round at the Masters on Saturday, but hit back at a reporter who asked him a “terrible question” moments after carding a 65. Scheffler was level par heading into the third round, having failed to deliver his customary brilliance while Rory McIlroy dominated proceedings and led following the opening two rounds.

However, Scheffler kept his hopes alive with a remarkable round, improving to seven under-par to remain loosely in contention behind joint-leaders Rory McIlroy and Cam Young on -11. And he delivered a forceful response after his “attitude” had been questioned. Following his record-breaking day at Augusta National, Scheffler sat down for his post-round press conference but was confronted with a question he felt was “awful”.

Scheffler was clearly unimpressed and swiftly moved on after declining to answer, while a jailed Masters champion departed Augusta National without uttering a word. Moments after Scheffler’s media session commenced, he faced an awkward opening question. “That was a 65 today. What did it feel like it could have or should have been?” the reporter asked.

Scheffler had already outlined how he played better than he scored on Friday, and was not amused after his record round had been scrutinised. “That’s just a terrible question. Next question. Awful,” he replied, before laughing in disbelief.

Another reporter then intervened and asked: “What enabled you to go low today as compared to maybe the last couple of days?” This time, Scheffler proved far more receptive and outlined his assessment of Saturday’s round in comparison to the previous two days. “Yeah, I hit it really nice today,” Scheffler said. “I felt like I was very sharp with the irons. Got it up there. Gave myself a lot of opportunities.

“I felt like I took advantage of those on the front nine, and then back nine, I did a lot of good things. Was really, really close to seeing a lot go in.

“Trying to think. It’s, like, hit two good shots into 10, a really nice putt, just breaks a little bit more. Birdied 11. Good things on 12. Hit the fairway on 13. Get a mud ball.

“Didn’t hit what I felt like was a good bunker shot, and 14 was another good putt, and 15, like, ball just barely goes further. Get a little gust downwind, and fortunately, today it didn’t go all the way into the hazard, but still left me with a pretty difficult pitch.

“Then 16 did some good things. 17, you know, three really good shots. Still didn’t make birdie. Overall could have been — I mean, I guess to answer your question, it wasn’t maybe that bad, but it definitely could have been lower.

“But like I said, I did what I needed to do. Went out and executed to give myself some opportunities, and more of that tomorrow, and I think I’ll be in a good spot.”

Scheffler still faces a challenging task to secure his third Green Jacket, having previously claimed Masters victories in 2022 and 2024. However, he appears to have rediscovered his form at precisely the right moment.