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PGA Vet Sounds Alarm: Scheffler’s Crowds Creating Chaos
Scottie Scheffler’s Superstar Status Creates Unique Challenges for Fellow Golfers
Imagine being really, really good at something—so good that everywhere you go, thousands of people show up just to watch you. That’s great for you, but what about the person standing right next to you trying to do their job? That’s exactly what’s happening in professional golf right now with Scottie Scheffler.
Who Is Scottie Scheffler and Why Is Everyone Talking About Him?
Quick Fact: Think of Scottie Scheffler as the "Taylor Swift of golf" right now—he’s the biggest draw in the sport.
- Former PGA Tour player turned CBS Sports analyst Johnson Wagner says Scheffler has become the main attraction in men’s golf
- His rise to fame started at the 2022 WM Phoenix Open
- Since then, he’s won 19 tournaments including:
- 4 Major Championships (the biggest tournaments in golf)
- An Olympic Gold Medal
- Simply put: when Scheffler plays, people show up in massive numbers
The 3M Open: A Perfect Example of "Scheffler Mania"
Last week at the 3M Open in Minnesota (Scheffler’s first time playing this tournament), the crowds were historic:
| Day | Crowd Size | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday (Round 1) | 10,000–15,000 people | For an early morning tee time! |
| Sunday (Final Round) | Just as massive | Scheffler played alongside Brian Harman |
Wagner’s observation: "He teed off, it was pretty darn early on Thursday, and there were reports of 10,000 to 15,000 people out there following him, getting to see him for the first time. What I’ve noticed this year… he is the draw. It is ridiculous."
How Big Crowds Affect Other Players: The "Playing Partner Problem"
Here’s where it gets tricky. Golf requires intense concentration and quiet. When you’re Scheffler’s playing partner, you face unique challenges:
What Happened to Brian Harman at the 3M Open:
- Harman had to "back off" multiple shots — this means stopping his swing routine because of crowd noise/movement
- Specific examples: Hole #11 and several tee shots
- The pattern: Scheffler hits → massive crowd surges forward → Harman tries to hit → distraction → Harman steps away
IMPORTANT POINT: "Brian just needed to get the honour, because I think the whole back nine he was teeing off second. And once Scottie hits, people are moving down the fairway." — Johnson Wagner
It’s Not Just the Playing Partner
Wagner explains the ripple effect:
- Group in front: Crowds swarm greens early
- Group behind: People scatter from previous hole
- Tournament officials: Must manage safety and pace of play
Johnson Wagner’s Perspective: "It’s Like the Tiger Woods Days"
Wagner has seen this before. He compares Scheffler’s current popularity to Tiger Woods at his peak:
| Similarity | Description |
|---|---|
| Crowd size | Thousands following every shot |
| Energy level | "Outstanding all week long" |
| Impact on others | Playing partners disrupted, groups affected |
| Atmosphere | Electric, historic, unprecedented |
Wagner’s exact words: "And it’s just like it was playing with Tiger. I couldn’t imagine playing in the group in front of them, or in the group behind, because it’s just people either swarming the greens or scattering. But the crowds were amazing."
What This Means for Professional Golf
The Good News
- Growing the game: New fans attracted to golf
- Excitement: Tournament atmospheres are electric
- Player recognition: Stars get the attention they deserve
The Challenges
- Fairness: Playing partners face unequal distractions
- Pace of play: Crowd movement slows down groups
- Safety: Managing thousands of moving spectators
- Mental game: Players need new coping strategies
Summary
Scottie Scheffler’s incredible success has made him golf’s biggest superstar, drawing Tiger Woods-level crowds everywhere he plays. While this is fantastic for the sport’s popularity, it creates real challenges for his playing partners—like Brian Harman at the 3M Open—who must deal with constant crowd movement and noise while trying to compete at the highest level. As CBS analyst Johnson Wagner notes, this phenomenon affects not just the playing partner, but entire tournament operations. The golf world is now figuring out how to balance superstar excitement with competitive fairness.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why does the crowd move after Scheffler hits but not wait for his playing partner?
Most fans follow the star player. Once Scheffler hits, thousands surge forward to track his ball or get to the next spot, leaving his playing partner hitting in front of a moving, noisy crowd.
What does "backing off" a shot mean in golf?
It means a player stops their pre-shot routine or swing because of a distraction (noise, movement, camera click). They reset and start over—costing focus and rhythm.
Has this happened before in golf history?
Yes! Johnson Wagner specifically compares it to Tiger Woods in his prime (early 2000s). Woods drew similar massive, disruptive crowds that affected playing partners.
Do tournaments have rules to handle this?
Tournaments use marshals and ropes, but managing 15,000+ moving people is extremely difficult. The PGA Tour continues exploring solutions like designated walking paths and stricter crowd control.
Does Scheffler do anything to help his playing partners?
Players typically acknowledge the situation, but they can’t control crowd behavior. Scheffler has praised fans’ enthusiasm while acknowledging the challenge for fellow competitors.
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