Scottie Scheffler's winless streak continues with playoff loss to Viktor Hovland

Scottie Scheffler lipped out a short birdie putt on the first hole of the playoff to lose the Travelers Championship agonizingly. Viktor Hovland, who went toe-to-toe with Scheffler for two rounds and poured in his birdie putt on the first playoff hole, walked away with the victory. 

For Scheffler, it marked yet another close call in what's been a frustrating season. The World No. 1 kicked off his 2026 campaign with a win at The American Express in January, but he hasn't found the winner's circle since. In 13 starts since his last victory, Scheffler has four runner-up finishes and eight total top-four finishes. 

Scottie Scheffler's 2026 struggles continue

It must be aggravating for Scheffler, who's won at least six PGA Tour events in each of the last two seasons. The 30-year-old got used to winning nearly monthly on the PGA Tour, and now he can't find a victory no matter how well he plays for 72 holes. 

Scheffler had plenty of chances to get the job done at the Travelers Championship before Monday's playoff. Hovland was 2-over par through his first 10 holes in the final round, but Scheffler wasn't able to separate and take advantage of the opening. Down the stretch, Hovland birdied three of his last six holes, while Scheffler finished the round with five straight pars.

In the playoff, Scheffler stuck his approach on the 18th hole to three feet. Hovland followed that up with a 9-iron to six feet on the same line. The Norwegian curled his putt in the right edge, giving Scheffler the line in the process. Despite having the read from Hovland's putt, Scheffler powered his birdie effort through the break and lipped out on the left side.