Scottie Scheffler disrupted by fan’s fart at The Open as commentators stunned by outcome

The world No.1 had an unusual obstacle to contend with on day one of The Open.

Scottie Scheffler is looking for his first-ever Open Championship title (Image: Sky Sports )

Scottie Scheffler had to contend with a fan’s fart as he was taking a shot during his opening round at this year’s Open Championship. The world No.1 is going in search of his first-ever Open title, having won three major titles so far in his career.

The American, whose philosophical rant about the value of success went viral earlier this week, was gearing up for an approach shot on the 17th. It was as Scheffler was following through with his backswing that the wind – a different type from what he’s used to – kicked up.

It was picked up by the microphones dotted around the Royal Portrush course, with the untimely release of gas causing the commentators to erupt into laughter. Speaking on the US broadcast, Andrew Cotter said: “There was so much to say about that shot, the sound off the clubface… extraordinary.”

It was made all the better by Scheffler’s shot almost trickling into the hole, with the ball just edging past the left-hand side of the cup. The co-commentator chimed in with: “Just a little bit of wind from behind just helped it ease down the green.”

Scottie Sheffler had a strong start to Open Championship week (Image: Getty)

It came amid a strong day out on the course for Scheffler, who went back to the clubhouse three under par for his afternoon’s work. Conditions had been testing for Scheffler, who had to battle the elements, as well as the odd fart from spectators, too.

Reacting to his opening round, Scheffler told Sky Sports: “It was challenging to get the ball on the fairway, especially in the middle of a round when it’s raining sideways basically. That’s definitely a challenging aspect… seeing the breaks [on the green] a little bit easier on this course. The greens last week [at the Scottish Open] were a bit challenging, these are a little bit more consistent.”

He continued: “Overall putting is one of those deals where you can hit your line, some weeks they all go in, some weeks they don’t. Last week was a week where even my good putts weren’t going in. It was challenging, but I didn’t lose any confidence.

“It could’ve been frustrating for us today, going out, playing in rain for the first 13 holes. But it’s one of those things, you know that’s going to happen here, the forecasts are always very uncertain.”