Scottie Scheffler's Hot Streaks and a Close Call at the WM Phoenix Open
Scottie Scheffler's golf game is on fire, with seven straight top-five finishes and 17 consecutive top-10 performances. But despite his red-hot form, he fell just short of claiming his third WM Phoenix Open title at TPC Scottsdale this weekend.
On Sunday, Scheffler shot a bogey-free 7-under 64, showcasing his exceptional skills. The moment everyone on the course was waiting for arrived when Scheffler made three straight birdies on holes 13-15, including a remarkable 72-foot putt from off the green at the 14th. With a chance to birdie and potentially force a playoff, Scheffler finished par-birdie-par, missing out by just two strokes.
The playoff drama unfolded as Chris Gotterup emerged victorious over Hideki Matsuyama, claiming his second win on the Tour in 2026. It's quite a turnaround for Scheffler, who started the tournament with fears of missing his first cut since August 2022, finishing with a rare 2-over 73 on Thursday.
However, his bogey-free 65 in Round 2 quickly alleviated those concerns, and he remained confident in his abilities. "Only one round where I didn’t have my best stuff," he said, "If I get in the house the first day with a couple under par, it’s a different story today."
The WM Phoenix Open playoff was a nail-biter, with Matsuyama's third title bid falling short. Chris Gotterup's win marked his second triumph on the Tour this year, leaving a lasting impression.
Despite the close call, Scheffler expressed pride in his performance, especially the closing 64 that put pressure on the contenders. He's looking forward to some rest before the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Tour's first signature event of the season, where he'll be among the top players.
The WM Phoenix Open playoff drama and Scheffler's impressive run showcase the competitive nature of golf, leaving fans eager for more thrilling moments.
