Scottie Scheffler’s stop at North Berwick turned into a bigger conversation than the few holes he played.
The world No. 1 golfer showed up at the iconic Scottish course in a t-shirt, gym shorts, sneakers and calf socks while making his way around the famous 13th hole. North Berwick was happy to have him, posting, “When the world’s No.1 golfer pops out for a few holes on a beautiful evening at the West Links … relaxing, chilling out and having fun ahead of the Scottish Open!”
The club also added, “Great to see you at North Berwick, Scottie Scheffler! 👋🏼.”
But the relaxed look didn’t sit well with everyone online. Social media quickly zeroed in on the outfit, with plenty of users saying it felt too casual for such a historic links. North Berwick does have traditional standards, and club guidelines discourage t-shirts and similar clothing, which only added fuel to the debate.
The reaction split fans right down the middle. Some argued Scheffler’s focus is on playing, not dressing up.
Others felt a player of his profile should set the tone when visiting a revered venue. Similar arguments pop up often in golf, especially at classic courses like North Berwick.
One user wrote, “Clearly he wasn’t planning to play. I doubt very much those are his clubs.
NB asked him would he hit a few on camera? Poor by NB when they are otherwise so strict with their rules,” another said.
“F-k this guy. He has no respect for the game or Scotland,” another wrote.
“So tee shirts are ok at NB now? Or is it just for pros?
Or just for very good pros?” one asked.
“Is it cool if I come out in a tee shirt next time too?” one questioned.
“This isn’t acceptable attire for a golf course and shows a complete lack or respect for one of the finest courses in the country,” somebody wrote.
Scheffler has also leaned into a more casual personal look lately, including a shaved head. Still, his game is what keeps him in the spotlight, and his dominant play continues to draw plenty of respect no matter what he wears.
The timing of the North Berwick round fits his buildup to the Scottish Open, which is a key lead-in to The Open Championship. For Scheffler, the focus remains on preparation, consistency and the kind of mental edge that has made him stand out on the PGA Tour. The wardrobe debate may have grabbed attention for a moment, but it does little to change the way he’s judged where it matters most: on the course.
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Rory McIlroy opened the 2026 Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club looking much more like himself, joining Patrick Cantlay and three others at five-under after the first round in North Berwick. It was a strong start for a leaderboard that already has plenty of star power, with Scottie Scheffler hanging around three shots back after a two-under 68 and Brooks Koepka very much in the mix after a four-under 66.
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