Scheffler’s testy interview is not what it looked like

One of the enduring images from Sunday’s Presidents Cup had nothing to do with the golf. It was the exchange between Scottie Scheffler and NBC’s Cara Banks, which—ahem—could best be described as testy. The clip quickly invited everyone to choose a side, though the rush to assign blame missed what made the interaction interesting: Neither Scheffler nor Banks was necessarily in the wrong.

Yes, Scheffler can run hot. We’ve seen him slam clubs, snap at his caddie, laugh in disbelief and mutter to himself when the golf turns against him. Basically, your average golfer. At times, the frustration has gone too far—it’s worth remembering that early in Scheffler’s career, his temperament carried enough of a reputation among caddies that Ted Scott interviewed HIM before agreeing to take the bag—and Sunday’s exchange felt like an extension of that vexation. It’s also worth noting Scheffler holds a broader exasperation with the media; he believes coverage too often defaults to the negative and that those covering the game can be strangely incurious about its finer points. Frankly, he’s not entirely wrong. Give Scheffler a question that engages him, though, and few players are more thoughtful or revealing when speaking about the sport.

Banks, however, was well within bounds to ask what she did. The timing may have been imperfect, but the question was relevant. Sideline reporters are routinely mocked for serving up softballs, so Banks deserves credit for having the gumption to ask a difficult one. The fact that Scheffler didn’t appreciate it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have been asked.

There are real issues coming out of Medinah about Team USA and the validity of the Presidents Cup going forward. But Scheffler-Banks is one we can put to bed.

Cara Banks' question to Scottie Scheffler was completely fair. So was Scottie's answer

Was the World No. 1's response over-the-top or perfectly fine?

By Christopher Powers

What You Need to Know

Christopher Powers

Untucked at the U.S. Mid-Am? Folks, is the game gone? People are asking themselves that very question in the replies to this tweet sent out by the USGA on Monday. In the video, you'll see highlights of Drew Kittleson taking down Stephen Behr Jr. in the Round of 64, 2 and 1. The issue people have? Kittleson played the whole match ... UNTUCKED. The horror.

However you feel about dress codes, it's undeniable that this is a startling sight. We're talking about a USGA championship here, and this man is in the match-play portion of it fully untucked and proud of it. They've even got him front and center on the main U.S. Mid-Am web page. Crazy times we're living in. 

Greg Gottfried

Matt Fitzpatrick has a pen pal; the problem is that Fitzpatrick has no clue who it is. The Internet does, however, and the man behind the texts is apparently golf obsessive Tom Egbers. For what appears to be the last few years, Egbers has been congratulating Fitzy on all of his victories while also never revealing his true self.

The trusting Brit will send back a thanks each time, but still can't tell who the messages are coming from. It’s a beautiful friendship, especially when you remember that Egbers even helped out Alex Fitzpatrick in a tight spot.

Coleman Bentley

Bryson DeChambeau is a shape-shifter. He's assumed various roles throughout his career—the scientist, the bodybuilder, the YouTube host—carving out countless unforgettable moments, both good and bad, along the way. Now, we may be witnessing the birth of southpaw Bryson after this video of him PIPING a drive lefty went viral on Tuesday.

Sheeeesh. That's one of the best switch-hitter swings we've seen since Mickey Mantle. Sure, his clubhead and ball speeds are noticeably slower, but as a result, his tempo actually seems smoother and sweeter. Almost Ernie Els-ish in its effortless arc. Keep hating all you want, but this is another point on the board for DeChambeau, who, despite all his eccentricities, continues to prove he's one of the most multi-talented humans in all of golf.

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