Scottie Scheffler missed a two-foot putt in a play-off against Norway’s Viktor Hovland to lose the Travelers Championship.
In an uncharacteristic moment, the world No 1 stepped up on the par-four 18th hole, needing to hole his close birdie putt to continue the play-off.
However, the American lipped-out his putt as he put his hand to his mouth in disbelief that, after shooting an incredible 21-under-par over the four rounds, he would let it slip at the very end.
Speaking afterwards, Scheffler said: “I hit it on my line, I think it was just a little bit firm.
Scottie Scheffler missed a two-foot putt in a play-off against Viktor Hovland
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“It was one of those putts you kind of had to make, and I just hit it a little bit firm.
“So that’s a bit disappointing. Just one of those weeks where I was close, but just wasn’t quite good enough.”
The win is Hovland’s first since 2025, and well-needed after going through a swing change a couple of years ago.
“It’s unbelievable, especially after Scottie hits it so close there,” Hovland said immediately after the round.
The win is Viktor Hovland’s first since 2025
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“I knew I had to bring in my best to have a chance to beat him, and he’s certainly brought it out of me and couldn’t be happier.”
Sunday’s fourth round saw a rain delay of nearly 90 minutes while the leaders were on the 14th hole.
Hovland and Scheffler went back and forth throughout the final round, with the American having a two-stroke advantage during the delay.
Both had an opportunity to win outright on Sunday with a birdie putt on 18, but both missed their attempts.
Scheffler said it was ‘just one of those weeks where I was close, but just wasn’t quite good enough’
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Hovland, ranked 30th in the world, has struggled since his 2023 Tour Championship-winning year.
His best finish so far this season has been a solo third at the Canadian Open just a couple of weeks ago.
The Norwegian has missed the cut at the last two majors, with a win well-needed to end a difficult period.
He said: “I know how good I can get and I keep pushing myself and I keep wanting to get better and then when I fall short it really pisses me off.
Hovland’s victory is his first since 2025
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“I didn’t get off to a great start on Thursday, and I just kind of didn’t let it bother me as much.
“Obviously, it helps when you’ve got people like this cheering you on as well.”
The PGA Tour schedule now heads to Illinois for the John Deere Classic, then the Scottish Open, and then the final major of the year, The Open at Royal Birkdale.
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