Scottie Scheffler admitted his struggles on the greens were the decisive factor behind his failed bid to retain the PGA Championship, describing his putting display at Aronimink Golf Club as a "tough pill to swallow" after Aaron Rai secured glory.
The world No 1 arrived in Pennsylvania hoping to become the first golfer since Brooks Koepka in 2019 to successfully defend the Wanamaker Trophy.
Instead, Scheffler was forced to settle for a share of the top 20 after rounds of 67, 71, 71 and 69 left him at two under par, well adrift of champion Rai.
Although Scheffler once again produced his trademark consistency from tee to green, he was unable to capitalise on enough birdie opportunities over the course of the week.
"I'm pleased with how I battled. I just battled really hard all week," Scheffler said after completing his final round.
"I just couldn't get anything going on the greens this week.
"I felt like I gave myself a good amount of opportunities.
Scottie Scheffler admitted his struggles on the greens were the decisive factor behind his failed bid to retain the PGA Championship, describing his putting display at Aronimink Golf Club as a "tough pill to swallow"
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"I felt like today was a day where I hit a lot of greens but just wasn't able to really hole anything, and that was kind of the story of the week."
The statistics reflected Scheffler's frustration.
He missed only two greens in regulation during his closing round, yet lost strokes to the field with the putter and finished well down the leaderboard in the putting categories for the tournament as a whole.
Scottie Scheffler came up short at the PGA Championship 12 months after his previous triumph
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| GETTY/GB NEWSFor a player who has spent much of the season dominating the PGA Tour, the inability to convert chances proved costly.
Scheffler had entered the championship in formidable form and was widely tipped to challenge once again for major glory.
Despite the disappointment, the four-time major winner quickly turned his focus towards the next opportunity.
The 29-year-old will head to US Open next month with the chance to complete the career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a select group of players in the modern era.
The final round at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is also scheduled to take place on Scheffler's 30th birthday.
Yet the American insisted he is not motivated by milestones or historical achievements.
Scottie Scheffler will be eager to complete the career Grand Slam at next month's US Open
| GETTY"I don't really look that far ahead," he said.
"I was never the guy who grew up saying I was going to win all the majors.
"I was always just trying to continue to improve."
Scheffler added that setbacks often sharpen his competitive edge rather than diminish it.
"When you have a disappointing week, especially in a major championship, it's a tough pill to swallow," he said. "I'll go home, get some rest, practice and get ready for the next week.
"After a loss, sometimes it gets you more excited to go practice."