Entertainment
The Englishman who turned around Scheffler’s putting fortunes
When world number one Scottie Scheffler reached out to one of golf’s most sought-after putting coaches in September 2023, he could not have imagined the transformation it would bring to his game.
The American was already a major champion and had won twice that season but he was in a fug. The statistics proved he was the best from tee to green. They also proved he was among the worst with a putter in hand.
PGA Tour players hole 90% of putts from four feet. At that time, Scheffler was making 80%. The best player in the world was ranked outside the top 150 in putting and fending off the same questions every week.
Step in Phil Kenyon, coach to the best in the game.
Within 12 months, Scheffler had risen into the top 15 putters and completed a remarkable season, winning seven PGA Tour events, including a second Masters, and an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games.
And he arrives at this week’s Open Championship on the back of a run of three victories in his past 10 events – including winning his third major at the US PGA Championship – and finishing in the top 10 in the other seven to reaffirm his position as the world’s dominant player.
“That was a particular high for Scottie after some lows and a lot of discussion about his putting,” Kenyon told BBC Sport of the American’s major victory at Augusta National in April 2024.
“And for him to putt so well fairly early on in my role working with him, that was a highlight for me.”
So what did Kenyon tweak? He helped with green reading, to give Scheffler more confidence in his own ability. He helped change his grip.
But it was a switch from his trusted blade to a mallet putter “to help him with lining up putts” that really sparked a change in fortunes.
After another poor performance on the greens in February 2024, long-time friend and mentor Brad Payne – speaking in a PGA Tour documentary of that season – recounted a conversation they had in Scheffler’s Dallas home: “I said ‘buddy, how are you doing?’ and he said, ‘I don’t think I’m doing well’.”
That was after the Genesis Invitational, where Scheffler finished joint 10th. The mallet putter made its debut in his next event and Scheffler won four of his following five tournaments, including the Masters by four strokes.
Who is Phil Kenyon?
Kenyon, who hails from the seaside town of Southport, on England’s ‘golf coast’, grew up surrounded by the game.
His dad was friends with ‘Britain’s putting doctor’ Harold Swash, who worked with European Tour legends Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood among many others.
“He would pay me to help him out, carrying his gear around, and was a huge inspiration,” said Kenyon, who was was a decent amateur and turned professional after studying a sports science degree.
He quickly realised he “didn’t have the game” to make a living as a pro so, with Swash as a mentor, started coaching.
“Harold was slowing down at that time so it gave me an opportunity to get stuck in,” he added.
“I’ve been at it 25 years. You just work on your craft day-to-day and it organically develops. I never envisaged travelling the world though, following players to tournaments.”
And while he is quick to deflect the praise, Kenyon’s achievements are impossible to ignore.
Scheffler’s triumph at May’s US PGA Championship meant the Englishman completed the career ‘Golden Slam’ of coaching players to all four major titles and Olympic gold.
Clarke, Henrik Stenson and Francesco Molinari picked up Claret Jugs while under his tutelage; Matt Fitzpatrick and Gary Woodland won the US Open; Justin Rose won gold at the Rio 2016 Games; Scheffler picked up a second Green Jacket and Olympic title in their first year working together.
He also has Tommy Fleetwood and US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley among his client list.
‘McIlroy helped make me a better coach’
Kenyon also still coaches from his studio in Formby on Merseyside and is equally as comfortable teaching a pro or an amateur.
“Different players provide different challenges,” he said.
“I can get stuck into the weeds with the best of them if that’s the route you want to go down but it’s about trying to work out the right balance for each player.”
There is a terrific video from 2021 of Kenyon and Rose going through some technical drills.
Both are mic’d up so you can hear Rose asking for reassurance and guidance as Kenyon buzzes round the green, offering words of encouragement while simultaneously checking putter head alignment and confirming slope angles with a spirit level.
Fitzpatrick is more into the stats.
“In comparison to those two, Scheffler plays a lot more ‘feel’ and is a simpler golfer,” said Kenyon.
“He’s less technical, less stats orientated, but equally, if not more, competitive.
“All the best players I’ve worked with are questioning and probing – you’re working together to find the right solutions for them.”
Kenyon also spent some time coaching Rory McIlroy, with the pair hooking up post-2016 Olympics.
“I felt like I did a decent job of improving him technically over that period of time but he felt the need to find other things,” said Kenyon of their time together.
“In hindsight, some things I would have done differently. But I’m glad I didn’t. You learn from it and I became a better coach because of it.
“There are things that I learned through that experience with Rory that have helped me with Scottie.”
Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.
We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.
Tennis star Taylor Townsend is proving once again that strength and beauty are not opposites — they’re a perfect match. In her latest series of photos, the American powerhouse effortlessly blends athletic grace with unapologetic confidence, reminding the world that true power shines brightest when it comes from within.
The photos, which quickly captured fans’ attention online, showcase Taylor in a radiant light — bold, self-assured, and glowing with the poise of a woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether dressed in sleek athletic wear or elegant casual fits, her energy commands attention — not just because of her style, but because of her authenticity and self-belief.
Townsend, who has long been admired for her resilience on and off the court, has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As a professional tennis player, mother, and advocate for self-acceptance, she continues to inspire millions who see themselves reflected in her journey — a story of perseverance, pride, and power.
In a recent interview, Taylor reflected on her evolution, saying:
“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing tall in your truth — from knowing your worth even when others don’t see it yet.”
That message resonates deeply with fans, who flooded social media with words of admiration. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Taylor Townsend is what strength looks like — beautiful, real, and unstoppable.”
Her latest photos aren’t just a showcase of style — they’re a celebration of self-love and strength, a reminder that confidence is the most powerful accessory anyone can wear. 🌟
Taylor Townsend isn’t just winning matches — she’s winning hearts, redefining what greatness looks like, one stunning moment at a time. 💖🎾
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