World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 WM Phoenix Open after a strong start to the season with a victory at The American Express. Unlike last year, when an offseason injury sidelined him for the first four events, Scheffler is fully prepared this time. He returns to the site of his breakthrough 2022 win, aiming to build on his recent success.
Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 golfer, arrived at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, marking his second start of the 2026 PGA Tour season. Just 10 days after securing his 20th career PGA Tour victory at The American Express, Scheffler enters the tournament with momentum and a lifetime exemption on the circuit. This contrasts sharply with his 2025 campaign, which began slowly due to a freak offseason injury sustained while cooking homemade pasta. A deep puncture wound to his right palm from a broken wine glass required surgery to remove glass fragments near his middle finger, forcing him to miss the first four events.
"Definitely a lot easier starting off that way instead of missing the first few tournaments due to hand surgery," Scheffler said on Wednesday. "Did a bit less cooking in the offseason this year. Stuck to plastic silverware instead of metal stuff. Nah, I’m only kidding."
Scheffler's history at TPC Scottsdale is storied. The Stadium Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, was the site of his first PGA Tour win in 2022, launching a prolific run that has seen him claim 19 additional titles in four seasons—roughly one in every five starts. He is a two-time winner here and has four career majors, including two from 2025.
Last year, post-injury, Scheffler returned at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a tied for ninth finish, followed by a tied for 25th at the WM Phoenix Open. A second-round 66 excited crowds, but a closing 72 raised questions about his form. By May, he had won THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson and two majors, with no finish outside the top 10 since THE PLAYERS Championship in March.
This year, with a full offseason of preparation, Scheffler feels ready. "It’s nice to get off to that kind of start," he said. "It’s nice to feel very prepared going into the season. I feel like my body is in a good spot, my head is in a good spot."
He emphasized staying present: "I’ve always been a guy that does my best when I’m staying present and focusing on the things that I can focus on at the time... Last week is forgotten about, and I’m ready to come out here and compete again."
Scheffler enjoys the unique atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale, known for its firm and fast conditions, precise shot requirements, and raucous crowds, especially on the 16th hole. "I've always enjoyed playing this type of test... It's a lot of fun to play in front of a group this size," he said. With his son Bennett nearby during media sessions, Scheffler values rest and family time as key to his offseason.
Arriving rested and relentless, Scheffler appears poised for another strong year, potentially daunting the field at this fan-favorite event.
