Scottie Scheffler plays down ‘sore’ back after injury concerns at BMW Championship

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler appeared to struggle with tightness in his lower back after shooting 1-under during the first round of this week’s BMW Championship on Thursday, but played down concerns it might threaten his participation in the event.

The new Olympic gold medalist told reporters afterwards that he had trouble “loosening” his back up during the first round and could be seen wincing and grabbing his back after a shot on the 17th hole.

“I woke up just a little sore this morning,” he said. “With it being a little bit tight it was hard for me to get through it and I was laboring most of the day to get through the ball.

On 17, I was trying to hit a high draw, and that’s a shot where I’ve really got to use a big turn, big motion. Really just felt it a little bit. But other than that, all good.”

Scheffler is the runaway leader in the FedExCup and might have been tempted to skip this week’s tournament to prepare for the Tour Championship in Atlanta next week.

But the American played down injury concerns, saying he would be fit enough to compete as usual for the rest of the BMW Championship.

“Maybe I hit a few too many balls yesterday or something. It was just a little sore. I’m sure I’ll get some ice on it and stuff and I’ll be totally fine tomorrow,” he added.

Given Scheffler struggled a little with his ball-striking, he fell off the early pace set by leader Keegan Bradley who sits on 6-under after the first round.