Scottie Scheffler Reveals Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Ahead of FedExCup Finale

World number one Scottie Scheffler has revealed that he was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease shortly before competing in the BMW Championship, raising fresh questions over his fitness ahead of the season-ending Tour Championship.

The four-time major champion admitted that the viral illness affected his performance and made it difficult to grip his golf club during the tournament. Despite feeling unwell, Scheffler decided to continue competing as he looked to maintain his position in the FedExCup standings.

Scottie Scheffler Opens Up About His Illness

Scheffler said he became sick on Monday night before the BMW Championship and soon developed symptoms associated with hand, foot and mouth disease.

The condition can cause painful blisters and sores on the hands, feet and inside the mouth or throat. For a professional golfer, symptoms affecting the hands can be particularly difficult because a comfortable and consistent grip is essential to controlling the club.

Scheffler acknowledged that he may have made the wrong decision by playing through the illness.

He explained that gripping the club was painful at the beginning of the week, but he remained hopeful that the symptoms would improve quickly enough for him to compete.

The American also described his determination to stay in tournaments as both a strength and a weakness. Rather than withdrawing, he chose to continue and fight through the discomfort.

Scheffler Fought Through a Difficult BMW Championship

The illness clearly presented an additional challenge during the BMW Championship. Nevertheless, Scheffler managed to produce three consecutive rounds under 70 and eventually finished tied for 12th.

His result was not enough to challenge for the title, but his ability to remain competitive while dealing with an illness highlighted his determination.

Scheffler later said that he felt he was beginning to recover. His hands had returned to normal, although his throat was still causing significant discomfort.

With the Tour Championship approaching, his immediate priority is expected to be recovering fully rather than pushing himself unnecessarily.

What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that is particularly common among young children, although adults can also contract it.

Typical symptoms can include a sore throat, fever, mouth ulcers and a rash or small blisters on the hands and feet. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and the infection generally improves without specific treatment.

According to NHS guidance, hand, foot and mouth disease commonly clears within around seven to 10 days.

The illness is also contagious, meaning people who develop symptoms are generally advised to take steps to reduce the risk of passing the infection to others.

For an elite athlete such as Scheffler, however, even a relatively short illness can have a significant impact. Golf requires concentration, physical coordination and endurance, while painful sores on the hands can directly affect a player's ability to hold the club.

What Does This Mean for the Tour Championship?

Scheffler's biggest concern now will be making sure he is healthy enough to compete at East Lake Golf Club.

The Tour Championship represents the final event of the PGA Tour season and offers Scheffler another opportunity to strengthen his already impressive season.

The American has established himself as one of the dominant players in modern golf, but his recent illness adds an element of uncertainty heading into the FedExCup finale.

A full recovery could allow Scheffler to return to his best, while lingering symptoms could make the demanding final event of the season considerably more difficult.

His comments after the BMW Championship suggest that his recovery is already moving in the right direction, particularly after the improvement in his hands.

Wyndham Clark Wins the BMW Championship

While Scheffler battled illness, Wyndham Clark produced a composed performance to win the BMW Championship.

Clark held his nerve to complete a three-shot victory, despite a strong late challenge from Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy appeared capable of producing a dramatic comeback during the final round, but ultimately finished third. Patrick Cantlay took second place, finishing one shot ahead of McIlroy and two shots behind Clark.

Gary Woodland, Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup shared fourth place on 12 under par.

The result ensured that the BMW Championship provided plenty of drama heading into the final event of the FedExCup playoffs.

Scheffler's Focus Turns to Recovery

For Scheffler, the BMW Championship was ultimately about perseverance rather than winning.

His decision to compete despite being ill demonstrated his competitive mindset, but it also highlighted the importance of recovery at this stage of the season.

With the Tour Championship next on the schedule, Scheffler will have little reason to take unnecessary risks if his symptoms have not completely disappeared.

The priority will be restoring his health, regaining his energy and ensuring that his hands and throat are fully recovered before he attempts to compete for another major season-ending prize.

Final Thoughts

Scottie Scheffler's hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosis has added an unexpected storyline to the build-up to the FedExCup finale.

Although he managed a respectable tied-12th finish at the BMW Championship, the illness clearly affected his preparation and comfort on the course.

The good news for Scheffler is that he has already reported improvement in his hands. If his throat symptoms also settle over the coming days, he could arrive at East Lake in much better condition.

For one of golf's leading stars, the challenge now is simple: recover properly, avoid further setbacks and arrive at the Tour Championship ready to compete at full strength.