Scottie Scheffler Dominates Phoenix Open Despite Falling Short

The world's top-ranked golfer captivated the crowd despite finishing in a tie for third place.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Scottie Scheffler was the main attraction at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, despite finishing in a tie for third place. Scheffler shot a 2-over 73 in the opening round, his worst round in eight months, but then bounced back with three stellar rounds, shooting 17-under over the final three days. Fans roared in adulation every time Scheffler stepped onto the course, with the 16th hole grandstand erupting in chants of "Scott-ie, Scott-ie." Even the eventual champion, Chris Gotterup, said he could track Scheffler's performance in real-time due to the noise. Scheffler's only misstep came on the 18th hole, where he chunked an 86-yard approach shot, preventing him from making a playoff.

Why it matters

Scottie Scheffler's dominance at the Phoenix Open underscores his status as the best player in the world right now. Despite not winning the tournament, his electrifying play and captivating presence highlighted the growing star power of one of golf's rising talents.

The details

Scheffler began the tournament with his worst round in eight months, shooting a 2-over 73. However, he made a grip adjustment and then shot 17-under over the final three days, missing just eight greens and making only one bogey. Scheffler's play was so captivating that even celebrities like Bijan Robinson and Devin Booker followed him for the final three holes. Fans chanted his name and showered him with adoration, with one security staffer saying Scheffler's shots were the only ones all day that commanded complete silence from the crowd.

  • Scheffler shot a 2-over 73 in the opening round on Thursday.
  • Over the final three days, Scheffler shot 17-under par.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked golfer, who was the main attraction at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open despite finishing in a tie for third place.

Chris Gotterup

The eventual champion of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, who said he could track Scheffler's performance in real-time due to the noise from the crowd.

Hideki Matsuyama

Scheffler's fellow competitor who went to a playoff with Gotterup for the tournament win.

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What they’re saying

“He's the best player in the world right now.”

— Chris Gotterup, Golfer (azcentral.com)

“I'm playing behind him again, so I could hear it all day.”

— Chris Gotterup, Golfer (azcentral.com)

“To take advantage, I guess, is nice.”

— Chris Gotterup, Golfer (azcentral.com)

The takeaway

Scottie Scheffler's captivating performance at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, despite not winning the tournament, underscores his status as one of the most dominant players in professional golf today. His ability to command the attention of the crowd and fellow competitors alike highlights the growing star power of this rising talent on the PGA Tour.