Scottie Scheffler may not have found his best form yet at the WM Phoenix Open, but even when he is a bit off, he still finds ways to keep himself in contention.
Even with a slow start, the world number one is still within reach of another strong finish. He is chasing his 17th consecutive top-8 on the PGA Tour, which would be an impressive streak to extend.
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The first round was not much fun for Scheffler. Nothing seemed to be working for him and he had no real control over where the ball was going.
For any player, especially at this level, having both misses in play can make it tough to commit to shots. It is difficult to back yourself when you are not sure where the next one is heading.
His scorecard reflected those struggles: five bogeys and a double. That marked only the second time since 2021 he had posted those numbers in a round.
But credit to him, he steadied things enough on Friday to make it through comfortably – extending his cut streak to 66 straight events.
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Scottie Scheffler’s comments at the Phoenix Open will concern his rivals
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
There is really no stopping Scheffler when he is in top form, it is a question of when, not if, he will win again.
Even when he is struggling to find his best game, his quality still shines through.
But now the world number one has made a bold statement about how he is currently feeling out on course.
Scheffler spoke to reporters after his third round 67 at TPC Scottsdale and gave an honest assessment of where his game is at right now.
“Feels a lot different coming off the course the last two days than on Thursday, and even to start the year,“ the 29-year-old American stated.
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“So I feel very comfortable where I am at and where my game is at. Starting to see the ball start online.
“Yeah, feel in control of the golf club.
“Overall, I feel like I am in a really good spot. Yeah.”
Scheffler feeling more confident about his swing than during his American Express victory two weeks ago should deeply worry the world number one’s rivals.
Though the golf club felt unfamiliar in his hands just three days ago, he has already overcome that initial discomfort.
It would come as no surprise to see Scheffler post a spectacular round – perhaps a 64 or 63 – during Sunday’s play at the Phoenix Open.
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Scottie Scheffler in agreement with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy on key golfing trait
Most players would have been heading home after the way Scheffler started his week in the desert. But he did not just hang around – he showed exactly why he is so tough to beat, even when things are not going right.
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have both talked about how the mark of a great player is being able to stay in contention without playing your best.
The Dallas native says he could not agree more.
“Yeah, when you look at the results I’ve had over the last few years I think probably my greatest skill is being able to stay near the lead,” he stated.
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“I think one of the things I’m most proud of is the consistent results I’ve had over the years, so, yeah, definitely agree with that.”
Scheffler seems well on his way to becoming one of golf’s greats. This week’s performance at TPC Scottsdale is just another example of his ability to stay steady when others might fall away.
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