Scottie Scheffler acknowledges supportive crowd after RBC Heritage playoff defeat
Scottie Scheffler has admitted he felt the American crowd were ‘cordial’ during his tantalising play-off defeat to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
Fitzpatrick had earlier suggested that Scheffler would enjoy strong support from American spectators. This prediction materialized, as the crowd cheered Scheffler enthusiastically while creating a challenging environment for his opponent, Fitzpatrick.
Despite the support for Scheffler, Fitzpatrick took the title, much to the dismay of the local fans. Nevertheless, Scheffler was grateful for their encouragement. “It’s nice always to get some support from the crowd,” he said. “I thought they were pretty cordial in terms of cheering for me and not cheering against Fitzy, so I was definitely appreciative of that.”
Following the event, Scheffler reflected on his performance. He lamented his putting but expressed satisfaction with his overall display, noting, “I think I had only one bogey over the weekend here, so did a lot of really good things.” He mentioned that minor details were crucial in close encounters, highlighting Fitzpatrick’s ability to respond when it mattered. “On Sunday it’s a shot here or there that makes a difference. This was one of those weeks where anytime Fitzy needed something to happen, he made something happen,” Scheffler remarked.
Fitzpatrick acknowledged the crowd’s role in creating a ‘great atmosphere’ and added that they maintained decorum throughout the match. “You want golf to have an atmosphere in my opinion. I grew up watching football. I’m paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds, having them chanting at you every week, it’s a great feeling,” he observed. He also noted the competitive spirit, likening it to winning away against a rival. Overall, the event underscored both the intensity of competition and the unique relationship between players and spectators in golf.
