Spring allergies spare no one—not even the cool, calculating World No.1 who dominates fairways and greens with machine-like precision. An unexpected coughing fit suddenly transformed the stoic champion into a relatable, slightly embarrassed human during a recent PGA Championship interview, after carding 6 under in the third round, and taking a solo lead.

The typically composed Scottie Scheffler suddenly coughed while speaking with CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis. The unexpected interruption halted their conversation momentarily. Balionis later addressed the moment on her Instagram story, responding to CBS Sports’ original post. “It was touch and go, but we got it together,” she wrote, adding lighthearted commentary to the viral interview clip. During the actual exchange, she jokingly suggested the breaking news was about allergies affecting players at the tournament.

Scheffler offered a different explanation for the interruption. “I’m just nervous,” he replied with a smile, continuing their exchange on a lighthearted note. This latest allergic moment recalls Scheffler’s well-documented struggles at Augusta National just weeks ago. The Masters champion openly battled the notorious Georgia pollen throughout tournament week.

“This rain and pollen out here. I get out of my car in the morning, my eyes start watering,” Scheffler admitted before the Masters. His candid assessment highlighted Augusta’s reputation as an allergy sufferer’s nightmare. Despite these respiratory challenges, Scheffler remained defiant at the Masters, finishing at T4. “Sniffles aren’t going to stop me,“ he declared, showcasing the determination that has made him golf’s dominant force. Scheffler isn’t alone in this seasonal struggle. Tiger Woods frequently protected irritated eyes with sunglasses at Augusta, while Justin Rose implemented a specialized low-histamine diet.

The moment with Balionis reveals a pattern beyond mere coincidence. Scheffler’s history with respiratory challenges adds an unseen dimension to his championship career.

Scottie Scheffler’s long battle: When allergies meet championship golf

Seasonal allergies have followed golf’s current dominant force throughout high-profile tournaments. His symptoms typically intensify during spring events when pollen counts soar across prestigious venues.

Augusta National presents challenges beyond its notorious putting surfaces. The course’s signature trees—pines, oaks, and magnolias—create a visually stunning yet allergen-rich environment. During the 2025 Masters, pollen levels reached remarkable heights, 50% above the previous five-year average. These invisible particles created physical hurdles that competitors rarely discussed publicly.

Performance data reveals Scheffler’s remarkable mental discipline. Statistical analysis of his Masters’ performances shows negligible correlation between allergy symptoms and scoring. His final-round 68 (-4) at the 2025 Masters included six birdies despite visible congestion, demonstrating no technical execution impairment.

Elite athletes face complex medication choices when battling allergies. Many effective antihistamines cause drowsiness that could compromise the precision required in championship golf. To avoid that, the PGA Tour now incorporates sophisticated pollen forecasting into tournament planning. This adaptation acknowledges how environmental factors can impact player health and performance.

Scheffler’s brief coughing fit with Balionis reveals the human beneath the championship trophies. His matter-of-fact approach to these challenges—whether attributing them to nerves or allergies—reflects the practical mindset that defines golf’s elite competitors.