Scottie Scheffler reveals hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosis ahead of FedEx Cup finale

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World number one Scottie Scheffler is prioritising his recovery before this week’s season-ending Tour Championship, where he hopes to claim a second FedExCup title following a diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease.

The condition hampered the four-time major winner during the BMW Championship, which concluded on Sunday. Despite finishing in a tie for 12th after a third consecutive sub-70 round, the American conceded that he should not have taken part in the event due to his ill health.

“I got sick Monday night. I got the hand, foot, mouth, so you get blisters on your hands and in your throat and on your feet,” he said.

“So to start the week it was pretty painful to grip the club. If I was smarter maybe I would have pulled out but I was playing so good I felt like if I could knock it out quickly and just get through the first couple rounds I would still have a chance.

“That’s part of my stubbornness – probably a strength of mine and a weakness at times – as I’ve never been one to ever pull out of a tournament, especially in the middle of it.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is more common in small children (CDC)

“I’m proud of how I fought. I feel like I’m starting to heal up and my throat is still bugging me pretty good but my hands feel normal (now). Hopefully the throat will clear up the next couple days.”

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that is more common in young children, with symptoms including sores, ulcers and rashes. According to NHS health advice, it usually clears up on its own within 7-10 days.

The BMW Championship was eventually win by US star Wyndham Clark, who kept his cool to complete a three-shot victory despite a spirited fightback by Rory McIlroy on the final day.

McIlroy looked set to pull off a stunning comeback victory at one stage, but had to settle for third place in the end, a shot behind another American, Patrick Cantlay, and four adrift of Clark.

US trio Gary Woodland, Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup finished tied for fourth on 12 under par, one shot behind McIlroy.

Scheffler will hope to get back in the mix at the FedEx Cup finale at East Lake Golf Club, but will first focus on getting back to full health after struggling through the BMW Championship.

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