Scottie Scheffler gives fresh health update after hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosis

World number one Scottie Scheffler has confirmed he is fit and ready to challenge for a second FedExCup title in Atlanta this weekend, having overcome a bout of hand, foot and mouth disease.

The condition, which leads to blister outbreaks, hampered the American during the BMW Championship last week. According to NHS guidance, the viral infection usually clears up by itself within 7-10 days.

Despite his physical struggles, Scheffler managed to record a 12th-place finish in the event and now competes for the $10 million top prize for winning the play-off series at the season-closing Tour Championship at East Lake.

"I'm good," the American told reporters at a press conference. "I'd say I'm at 95 per cent.

"The only thing maybe is still just a couple of sores in my throat but other than that I feel really good."

Scheffler is the favourite heading into the 30-man event, where the victor will be crowned the overall PGA Tour champion.

Scheffler won the opening play-off tournament at the FedEx St Jude Championship a fortnight ago, while Wyndham Clark held off a late fightback from Rory McIlroy to triumph in last week's BMW Championship. Tommy Fleetwood enters the tournament as defending champion.

On Tuesday, the PGA Tour announced that the championship is set to be revamped from 2028 and will instead be played using a two-week match play format. A round-robin stage will take place in the opening week, followed by knockout rounds on a different course the following week.

Scheffler appeared to have mixed feelings about the prospective concept.

"I think it's something people have been craving, especially the fans. To change the format we have now with more matches on the course could be interesting and fun," he said.

"It's a little bit hard for me to wrap my head around the group play – when I show up at a tournament I love to be able to compete and give myself a chance to win.

"To have a full week where there's not a winner is a bit unusual for me but I think it's fun, it's an interesting new way to finish the year."