Here’s the harsh reality: even a golfer as dominant as Scottie Scheffler can’t win them all. But here’s where it gets controversial—was his near-miss at the WM Phoenix Open a sign of slipping momentum, or just a testament to the fierce competition on the PGA Tour? Despite a sizzling seven-birdie Sunday, Scheffler fell short of claiming his third title at TPC Scottsdale, finishing T-3 after a bogey-free 7-under 64. For context, this marks his seventh straight top-five finish and his 17th consecutive top-10—a streak that’s nothing short of remarkable. Yet, the question lingers: could he have done more?
There was a moment on the course when it seemed like Scheffler might pull off the “special round” he’d hinted at the day before. Three consecutive birdies on holes 13-15, including a jaw-dropping 72-foot putt from off the green at the 14th, had everyone—players and fans alike—on the edge of their seats. And this is the part most people miss—Scheffler’s final par-birdie-par stretch left him just two strokes shy of a playoff. Chris Gotterup ultimately clinched the win over Hideki Matsuyama, securing his second Tour victory of 2026.
Scheffler’s journey this week wasn’t without its hurdles. After a rare 2-over 73 on Thursday, he faced the specter of missing his first cut since August 2022. But a bogey-free 65 in Round 2 quickly erased those fears. “Only one round where I didn’t have my best stuff,” he admitted to reporters. “If I’d started with a couple under par, it might’ve been a different story today.”
Here’s the bold take: While Scheffler’s consistency is undeniable, his inability to close the deal this weekend raises questions about his ability to dominate under pressure. Is he the unstoppable force we’ve come to expect, or is there a chink in his armor? Hideki Matsuyama, denied his third WM Phoenix Open title in a dramatic playoff, might argue the latter.
Scheffler, however, remains unfazed. “Proud of how I played today,” he said. “Looking forward to some rest and then gearing up for next week at Pebble Beach.” And with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the horizon—the Tour’s first signature event of the season—he’ll have another chance to prove his mettle.
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think Scheffler’s streak is sustainable, or is he due for a slump? And was his performance this weekend a minor stumble or a sign of deeper challenges? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
