Scottie Scheffler Struggles in Phoenix Open First Round

World No. 1 golfer has rare off day, misses 10-stroke cut for first time since 2021

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, had a tough opening round at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, carding a 2-over par 72 to sit tied for 97th place after the first day. This marked the first time since the 2021 Valero Texas Open that Scheffler had finished more than 10 strokes behind the leader after the first round of a PGA Tour event.

Why it matters

Scheffler has been on a remarkable run over the past few years, winning multiple major championships and establishing himself as one of the premier players in the sport. His struggles on Thursday at the Phoenix Open, an event he has won twice before, are uncharacteristic and raise questions about whether he may be hitting a rare rough patch in his career.

The details

Scheffler missed a putt and recorded three bogeys in his opening round, finishing the day at 2-over par. This left him 10 strokes behind the leader, Chris Gotterup, who shot an 8-under 62. The last time Scheffler had finished more than 10 strokes behind the leader after the first round was at the 2021 Valero Texas Open, where he shot a 78 compared to winner Jordan Spieth's 68.

  • Scottie Scheffler last finished more than 10 strokes behind the leader after the first round at the 2021 Valero Texas Open.
  • The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is taking place from February 5-8 at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked golfer, who has won multiple major championships in recent years including The Masters in 2022 and 2024, as well as the PGA Championship and Open Championship in 2023.

Chris Gotterup

The first-round leader of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, shooting an 8-under 62 to take a commanding lead.

Jordan Spieth

The winner of the 2021 Valero Texas Open, where he shot a 68 in the second round compared to Scottie Scheffler's 78.

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What they’re saying

“Scottie Scheffler has been on a remarkable run, but even the best players in the world can have an off day. This first-round struggle at the Phoenix Open is uncharacteristic, and it will be interesting to see how he responds over the next three days.”

— Justin Ray, Analyst, Twenty First Group (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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