Scottie Scheffler's early struggles in the 2026 PGA Tour season have been a hot topic, but let's put things in perspective. Even when Scheffler seems to start slow, he's still delivering performances that most players would envy.
Take the Genesis Invitational, for example. Despite looking like he was out of his groove for half the tournament, Scheffler managed a T12 finish alongside Jordan Spieth, marking Spieth's best outing since June 2025.
Scheffler's journey at the Genesis was a rollercoaster. He found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard after Thursday, playing his first 10 holes at 5 over.
Yet, with sheer determination, he made an 8-foot par putt on his 36th hole to keep his tournament hopes alive. Though he narrowly missed extending his top 10 streak to 19, his resilience was on full display.
Earlier this season, Scheffler claimed victory at the American Express, joining the elite company of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players under 30 with 20 PGA Tour wins and four majors. He came close to adding another win at the WM Phoenix Open, finishing just one stroke shy of a playoff after a tough opening round.
At the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Scheffler's final-round fireworks, including three eagles, almost secured him a win, falling just two strokes short of Collin Morikawa. Pebble Beach is a venue steeped in history, and winning there holds special significance.
The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club is another iconic stop, part of the PGA Tour's big three player-hosted events alongside tournaments hosted by Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer. Winning any of these is a feat, but conquering all three is a rarity achieved by only a few legends like Fred Couples and Ernie Els.
Rory McIlroy recently highlighted the importance of these player-hosted invitationals, expressing his desire to win at Riviera and Muirfield. Scheffler has already triumphed at both Arnie's and Jack's tournaments, but Tiger's event remains elusive. This year, he came close, playing his final 62 holes in 16 under, just two shots behind the winner, Jacob Bridgeman.
Scheffler's ability to claw back from rough starts showcases his competitive spirit. It's like watching a boxer who refuses to go down, battling through adversity to stay in the fight. Despite these challenges, Scheffler remains the favorite for all four major championships this year, with odds reflecting his formidable presence on the tour.
His comebacks have been nothing short of thrilling, reminding us of his incredible talent and tenacity. Whether he's leading the pack or chasing from behind, Scheffler continues to prove he's a force to be reckoned with on the PGA Tour.