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Phoenix Open Starts Rough For Scottie Scheffler

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Orlando Fuller | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 5:58 PM ET

The first round of the Phoenix Open has kicked off, with the environment offering more than just a front row seat to great golf. With celebrities having showcased their skills earlier in the week, PGA Tour athletes finally got to tee off Thursday. What many expected to be another smooth tournament showing for the World No 1, Scottie Scheffler got off to a start rather lackluster to say the least. From short shots, to even hitting the green and watching his ball roll endlessly backwards into hardship, it was a tough round one all around. Thankfully, a slow start has been rather often as of late for Scheffler and his camp.

Comeback In The Works

Scheffler, being a two-time winner of the event, is now looking to work himself back up the leader-board after round one. In the first round, Scheffler was grouped with Chris Gotterup who had himself a day. He managed to mark the first time since round two of the 2021 Valero Texas Open, where Scheffler was beaten by 10 plus strokes. A truly dominating kickoff round for Gotterup, and a mental flush by arguably the best.

“The tee shot is easily the hardest on the golf course,” Scheffler said Wednesday. “The fairway from the tee box looks wide, but it plays extremely small. If you hit up the left center of the fairway the ball is pretty much going to go in the water.”

That ball in fact did hit the water, something rarely seen from a player of Scheffler’s caliber. Yet, it offered a friendly reminder that he’s human. With a historic career while still being so young, it often feels like Scheffler can make no mistakes when teeing off. Now, he’s faced with a long weekend ahead and hopeful energy walking into round two.

What Will It Take?

After round one, Scheffler decided to skip talks with the media and he’d straight for the practice facilities. Walking into this week of tournament play, the veteran holds the longest active cut streak. Now he will have to scratch and claw to keep from being cut and making expected headlines all over. Another key streak in effect to change, is his illustrious 17 consecutive top ten finishes.

Fun and enjoyable marks are always warming to hit, although the main goal of many here this weekend is to simply win it all. With that being easier said than done, Scheffler will have to make a huge turnaround in order to even keep his name in contention for making the cut.

The world No. 1, is in hot waters as round two comes upon us. It will be a sight to see, if Scheffler can do what many may deem impossible but others just find it routine.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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