What’s the matter with Scottie Scheffler? When Rory McIlroy’s unprecedented Grand Slam triumph brought the 2025 Masters to a close, many people’s attention was drawn to 2024 champion Scottie Scheffler, who came in fourth at Augusta National Gold Course. Despite a strong showing, Scheffler hasn’t been able to find his mojo, and this has led to criticism for the world No. 1 golfer.

Scheffler has played in seven events since the beginning of 2025, making the cut in all and placing in the top 10 in five, but he has not won. He currently makes $4.35 million and is ranked fourth in the FedEx Cup rankings. Some have speculated about a possible slump as a result of this consistency, even in the absence of a victory. Carl Paulson, a former member of the PGA Tour, provides another viewpoint. So, let’s check out Paulson’s perspective.

Carl Paulson defends Scottie Scheffler

Carl Paulson addressed the mounting worries regarding Scheffler’s performance in an open talk on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio. In response to the query, “The big question is, what’s wrong with Scottie? He’s played seven times, made seven cuts, earned $4.35 million, and is fourth in FedEx points,” Paulson responded emphatically. He stated, “What’s wrong with Scottie? You want to know what’s wrong with Scottie? You’ve got another guy playing like Scottie played last year. And Scottie’s still just a little bit off after having to take some time with his hand. Scottie’s just fine, everybody. Take a damn chill pill.”

Paulson’s remarks highlight the high standards and expectations placed on top athletes. Scheffler’s consistent top-tier finishes and substantial earnings indicate that he remains a formidable competitor. Paulson suggests that the emergence of other exceptional players, like McIlroy, who completed his career Grand Slam at the Masters, may overshadow Scheffler’s achievements, but do not diminish them.

The scrutiny faced by Scheffler underscores the intense pressure on elite golfers to continuously win. Paulson’s defense serves as a reminder to appreciate consistent excellence and to recognize that even the best athletes experience periods without victories. His call to ‘relax’ urges fans and commentators to maintain perspective and acknowledge Scheffler’s ongoing contributions to the sport. 

Well, there was another controversy brewing after the dust settled at the 2025, Scheffler handed the iconic green jacket to Rory Mcllroy. But, his reluctance and untimely exit from the moment caught the attention of the fans and it blew up big time.

Scheffler had to bad intention in spoiling Mcllroy’s crowing moment

The 2025 Masters was a thrilling ride for the fans as the showdown ended in Rory Mcllory beating Justin Rose in the playoff round. Now being the tournament winner of 2024, Scottie Scheffler handed the green jacked to Mcllory after his win. Scheffler quickly handed over the jacket to the winner and jumped out of the frame, and that seems to have sparked fiery reactions from the fans.

Seeing the backlash he was facing after the incident, Scheffler explained why he choose to fade out so quickly after honoring the tournament winner. “In that moment, it was such an emotional day for him, I kind of just tried to stay out of the way and basically just get the jacket on without embarrassing him or myself.” Cameron Jourdan from Golfweek shared the clip on X, where Scheffler cleared the air about the incident.

Unable to repeat his heroics of 2024, Scheffler will now focus on RBC Heritage which is set to kick off on Thursday, April 17. And he is a favorite to win event and bag his first win of 2025.