DUBLIN, Ohio — Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer and a two-time defending champion at the Memorial Tournament, carded a 1-over 73 in the first round Thursday, leaving him six shots off the lead amid challenging conditions at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

The performance, marked by visible frustration on the course, comes as the broader professional golf landscape grapples with uncertainty. Reports indicate that LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed circuit that disrupted the sport for years, is facing potential collapse at the end of the 2026 season, raising questions about the future integration of its players and the PGA Tour's ability to absorb them without major disruptions.

Scheffler's round started promisingly but unraveled on the back nine, highlighting the fine margins at Jack Nicklaus' demanding layout. The world No. 1, seeking a historic third consecutive victory at the event, finished the front nine at 2 under but bogeyed the 10th and 14th holes before encountering major trouble at the par-3 16th.

His tee shot on the 16th came up short and found the water, leading to a double bogey. Cameras captured Scheffler, typically known for his composure, expressing clear agitation toward longtime caddie Ted Scott.

"I don't know what to do. I can't hear a word you're saying. I feel like that was a good shot, now I'm in the water," Scheffler was heard saying. He added, "I absolutely flush a seven iron, and we get the wind wrong, and I'm in the water."

"I don't think you understand how frustrating that is," he continued. "I don't understand. I really don't. I mean, it was 5 yards short of the green. Flush 7-iron...I've hit good shots and dropping from hazards because we........

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