ST. ANDREWS — Scottie Scheffler’s meteoric rise to World No. 1 has been built on a foundation of ball-striking mastery, but for much of 2023, his putting threatened to derail his dominance. Enter Phil Kenyon, the English putting coach whose meticulous adjustments have transformed Scheffler’s fortunes on the greens—just in time for the challenges of links golf at this week’s Open Championship.
Kenyon, a putting guru who has worked with major champions like Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, began collaborating with Scheffler earlier this year. The results have been staggering: Scheffler, who ranked outside the top 100 in Strokes Gained: Putting in 2023, now sits comfortably inside the top 30. "It’s been about simplifying his setup and refining his stroke under pressure," Kenyon explained in an exclusive interview.
The Turning Point
Scheffler’s putting woes reached a nadir at the 2023 Masters, where he lost nearly five strokes to the field on the greens despite finishing T10. "Scottie’s ball-striking was otherworldly, but he knew he couldn’t sustain success without fixing the putter," Kenyon recalled. Their partnership began shortly after, with Kenyon identifying three key adjustments:
- Grip Pressure: Scheffler’s tendency to tighten up under pressure led to inconsistent strikes.
- Eye Alignment: Kenyon noticed Scheffler’s eyes were often misaligned with the target line.
- Pace Control: Links greens demand a softer touch, a skill Scheffler honed through Kenyon’s drills.
Links-Specific Adjustments
With The Open Championship at Royal Troon this week, Kenyon has tailored Scheffler’s preparation to the unique demands of links golf. "The wind, the grain, the slopes—everything reacts differently here," Kenyon said. Key focus areas include:
Reading the Grain
Links greens often feature pronounced grain, which can dramatically alter putt speed and break. Kenyon has Scheffler practicing with exaggerated grain drills to sharpen his feel. "You can’t fight it; you have to embrace it," Kenyon emphasized.
Pace Over Line
On slower, undulating greens, Kenyon has Scheffler prioritizing speed over perfect line. "A putt dying at the hole is far more effective here than one rammed in with pace," he noted. Scheffler’s improved lag putting has been a testament to this philosophy.
Scheffler’s Resurgence
The stats speak for themselves: Scheffler has gained an average of +0.8 strokes putting per round since working with Kenyon, up from -0.3 in early 2023. His victory at the Memorial Tournament, where he holed critical putts down the stretch, showcased the newfound confidence. "Phil’s given me a system I can trust, even when the pressure’s on," Scheffler said afterward.
The Open Challenge
Royal Troon’s greens, though less severe than some Open venues, will test Scheffler’s refined skills. Kenyon remains optimistic: "Scottie’s always been a quick learner. If he stays patient, he’ll contend." With Scheffler entering as the betting favorite, the golf world waits to see if Kenyon’s magic can deliver a second major in 2024.
For Kenyon, the satisfaction lies in the process. "Seeing a player of Scottie’s caliber commit to improvement—that’s why I do this," he said. As The Open unfolds, their partnership may well redefine Scheffler’s legacy.
