Scottie Scheffler’s hopes of clinching a third consecutive title at the Phoenix Open hit a snag on Thursday as he stumbled through the first round with a disappointing two-over-par 73. The World No. 1 faced uncharacteristic challenges at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, leaving him ten strokes behind the early leader Chris Gotterup and at risk of missing the cut for the first time in over three years.
A Rocky Start
The opening round was marked by a series of frustrating moments for Scheffler, who displayed visible signs of annoyance after mishaps on the course. After a botched chip on the par-four 18th, he was seen tapping his wedge against his legs in exasperation. A similar incident on the eighth hole prompted him to throw his hands up in disbelief as he walked off with another bogey. This round presented a stark contrast to the form that saw him finish the previous season with a victory in Napa, California, and start this season with triumph at The American Express in Palm Desert.
Scheffler arrived at the Phoenix Open as a strong contender, having won the event in both 2022 and 2023. He was keen to extend his remarkable run, having maintained 33 consecutive rounds under par prior to this event. However, the ideal scoring conditions on Thursday did not translate into success for the Texan.
Inconsistent Play
The round began with promise as Scheffler nailed a birdie within three feet on the par-four 10th hole. However, his momentum quickly faltered. A bogey on the 11th hole, where he failed to recover after missing a short chip, was the first sign of trouble. He did manage to sandwich two birdies around a bogey on the long par-four 14th, but the positive flashes were overshadowed by his overall performance.
As the round progressed, Scheffler’s game unraveled further. A double bogey on the second hole followed a drive that found the right fairway bunker, leading to a series of poor shots that left him struggling to recover. He was unable to get up and down, resulting in a demoralising score on a hole he typically attacks with confidence.
The Final Stretch
Despite a birdie on the third hole, Scheffler’s woes continued with a flubbed chip that resulted in yet another bogey on the eighth. His back nine of 38 left him in a precarious position, needing a significantly lower score on Friday to avoid missing the cut, something he has not experienced since the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship.
In an effort to regain his form, Scheffler wasted no time after his round, heading straight to the practice range. He is determined to protect his impressive streak of 65 cuts made, the longest currently active on the PGA Tour.
Why it Matters
Scheffler’s struggles at the Phoenix Open serve as a reminder of the relentless pressures faced by professional athletes at the top of their game. A player of his calibre missing a cut could have ripple effects, not just for his confidence, but also for his standing in the golfing community. As fans and analysts alike look on, the ability to bounce back will be pivotal for Scheffler, both in this tournament and the broader context of his season. The stakes are high as he aims to reclaim his groove and continue his legacy as one of golf’s elite players.
