Scottie Scheffler Struggles in Round 1 of WM Phoenix Open

World No. 1 golfer frustrated after uncharacteristic performance at TPC Scottsdale

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:26am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting Scottie Scheffler's golf swing and facial expressions, conceptually representing the frustration and pressure of being the world's top-ranked golfer.Scottie Scheffler's frustration on the course captured in a cubist, geometric interpretation of his golf swing and emotional state.Scottsdale Today

Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, had a frustrating opening round at the WM Phoenix Open, shooting a 2-over 72 at TPC Scottsdale. Scheffler's round was marked by a series of ups and downs, with birdies and bogeys trading places. He expressed his frustration after a poor shot on the 18th hole, banging his club against his thighs in anger. Scheffler's struggles continued on the front nine, with a bogey and a double bogey on the first two holes. Though he showed resilience with a birdie and four consecutive pars, he ended his round with another bogey on the 8th hole.

Why it matters

Scheffler's performance is noteworthy as he is the world's best golfer and a two-time winner at TPC Scottsdale. His frustration highlights the immense pressure and expectations that come with being the top-ranked player, and how even the greatest can face moments of struggle on the course.

The details

Scottie Scheffler, the world's No. 1 ranked golfer, had a frustrating opening round at the WM Phoenix Open, shooting a 2-over 72 at TPC Scottsdale. Scheffler's round started well with a birdie on the par-4 10th hole, but he then pulled his tee shot on the 11th into a water hazard, leading to a bogey. A series of ups and downs followed, with birdies and bogeys trading places. His approach on the 18th rolled off the green, and his frustration boiled over as he banged his club against his thighs in anger.

  • Scheffler started his round with a birdie on the par-4 10th hole.
  • On the 11th hole, Scheffler pulled his tee shot into a water hazard, leading to a bogey.
  • Scheffler's approach shot on the 18th hole rolled off the green, leading to his outburst of frustration.
  • On the front nine, Scheffler had a bogey on the 1st hole and a double bogey on the 2nd hole.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world's No. 1 ranked golfer and a two-time winner at TPC Scottsdale.

Chris Gotterup

The clubhouse leader after an impressive round of 63, who attributed his success to a 'conservative' approach.

Jordan Spieth

A fellow PGA Tour player who will be teeing off with Scheffler and Gotterup in Round 2.

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What they’re saying

“Gotterup, who had missed the previous two cuts at TPC Scottsdale, attributed his success to a 'conservative' approach.”

— Chris Gotterup

What’s next

Scheffler will tee off in Round 2 alongside Jordan Spieth and Chris Gotterup, the early leader. Scheffler will be looking to turn things around and showcase his true potential.

The takeaway

Scottie Scheffler's frustrating Round 1 performance at the WM Phoenix Open serves as a reminder that even the world's best golfers can face moments of struggle and frustration on the course. This highlights the immense pressure and expectations that come with being the top-ranked player, and the importance of maintaining composure and resilience in the face of adversity.