The penalty, announced in hushed tones after the 13th hole, came after what officials described as aย โserious breach of tournament protocol.โย Sources close to the tournament claim that Scheffler was allegedlyย using a prohibited rangefinderโa violation of Augustaโs strict manual-only policy. But whatโs more explosive is theย verbal altercationย that reportedly erupted between Scheffler and tournament officials once the ruling was made.
โHe was furious,โ one anonymous official told reporters. โThere was shouting. He accused the committee of targeting him. He even refused to sign his card at first.โ
Eyewitnesses say Scheffler was visibly shaken and stormed off to the clubhouse for an emergency meeting with PGA and Augusta representatives. Cameras caught the star pacing back and forth, gripping his hat in disbelief. Golf fans around the world watched in stunned silence as leaderboard numbers flickeredโSchefflerโs score plummeting fromย -10 to -5ย in an instant.
โThis Isnโt Over.โ
In a brief post-round statement, Scheffler said,
โI play with integrity. Always have. I donโt agree with the ruling, and Iโll leave it at thatโfor now.โ
Social media erupted with reactions, with hashtags likeย #JusticeForScottieย andย #AugustaGateย trending worldwide. Some fans and analysts questioned whether the rule was enforced fairly or if it was even clear to players that certain devices were off-limits.
A Tournament in Turmoil
The Masters, known for its elegance and tradition, has rarely seen such public drama. Insiders are now whispering about a possibleย internal investigationย and evenย rulebook revisionsย in the wake of the scandal.
With only one round left to play, all eyes will be on Scheffler Sundayโcan he claw his way back from this stunning setback, or will the 2025 Masters be forever remembered for the controversy that derailed a champion?
One thing is certain:ย this Masters is far from overโand the drama is just beginning.
