During a pre-tournament press conference at the WM Phoenix Open, world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was asked by a 12-year-old fan to name his ideal basketball starting lineup from fellow PGA Tour players. Scheffler, an avid basketball enthusiast, selected a mix of golfers with athletic backgrounds and his own inclusion. The lighthearted moment highlighted Scheffler's multi-sport roots.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer known for his athletic versatility, fielded a fun question during his pre-tournament news conference for the WM Phoenix Open on Wednesday. The query came from Carson McKee, a 12-year-old from Indiana, who asked Scheffler to assemble a starting five of PGA Tour golfers for a basketball team.
Scheffler, who played multiple sports growing up before focusing on golf, eagerly responded. He began with Gary Woodland, noting his college basketball experience as a key asset. "Starting five would be I think you got to start with Gary Woodland. He played college basketball, so that's a tough one to pass up," Scheffler said.
For the point guard role, he chose Russell Henley. Scheffler also included Jacob Bridgeman, praising his ongoing play: "He still plays a couple times a week, so he's going to be fresh. He is probably going to be the only guy out there that will be fresh for us." Tony Finau was picked as the "big guy" for the team, and Scheffler rounded out the lineup with himself. "I'm putting myself in the lineup as well because I love basketball," he added. "I couldn't sit on the lines and watch those guys play. I think we'd do all right."
The exchange brought a playful tone to the event, underscoring Scheffler's approachable personality amid his dominant run on the PGA Tour. The WM Phoenix Open, held at TPC Scottsdale, marks an early stop in the 2026 season for many top players.
