By his own high standards, Scottie Scheffler had a rough start to the WM Phoenix Open on Thursday.
Heading into the tournament as a heavy favourite, Scheffler now faces an uphill battle to add another win to his CV unless he can string together some exceptional rounds over the weekend.
The 29-year-old never looked comfortable. His swing lacked its usual rhythm, and he appeared unsettled throughout the round.
Even more surprising was how uncertain he seemed about where his shots were heading – not something you expect from someone known for his precise clubface control.
Scheffler struggled to find any consistency off the tee, with missed shots going both left and right, and clean strikes were few and far between. In truth, his two-over-par 73 could have been worse.
No one on tour has been better than him over the past two years. Still, it was a reminder of just how difficult golf can be – even for the best in the world.
Scottie Scheffler struggles through tough start at the WM Phoenix Open
Scheffler’s form over the past few years has drawn comparisons to Tiger Woods. He’s played some of the best golf we have seen since Tiger was in his prime.
But if you had caught him during Thursday’s opening round at TPC Scottsdale, you might not have believed it. Nothing seemed to go right for him.
He actually started well, sticking his approach to three feet on his first hole (the 10th). But that early momentum did not last long.
Scheffler finished with a two-over 73, a mix of five bogeys, a double bogey, five birdies and just seven pars.
It was the kind of round we do not usually see from him.
He ranked 91st in strokes gained approach, 70th off the tee and 119th around the greens.
Unsurprisingly, the world number one’s opening-round performance at the WM Phoenix Open marked only the second time he has done this since 2021.
Unusual Scottie Scheffler stat highlighted
Thursday in Arizona marked just the second time in the past five PGA Tour seasons that he has posted six or more bogeys or worse in an opening round.
These types of rounds happen to everyone in golf. Even someone as steady as Scheffler is going to have an off day now and then, and Thursday was one of those times.
No one would be surprised if Scheffler came out on Friday and fired a low score. It would be more surprising to see another 73 than a 63, given how consistent he has been.
His rhythm never looked right, and it was clear from his body language that even before hitting shots, he was not fully confident. It was one of those rare days where nothing seemed to click for him.
The question now is how he responds on day two. If there is anyone equipped to put a bad round behind him quickly, it is Scottie Scheffler.
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