Scottie Scheffler Admits He Relates to Tiger and Rory’s Pride in Winning Without Perfection

Feb 8, 2026, 6:21 AM CUT

Winning at your best is impressive, but consistency matters to Scottie Scheffler. It's something he says he shares with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

During a press conference at the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 7, a reporter asked, "Tiger, Rory talk about in the middle of a tournament if they don't have their best stuff and are still able to contend and maybe even go on to win, it's one of the things they're more proud of as a player. Can you relate to that sentiment?"

The twenty-time PGA Tour winner replied: “Yeah, when you look at the results I’ve had over the last few years, I think probably my greatest skill is being able to stay near the lead. I think one of the things I’m most proud of is the consistent results I’ve had over the years, so, yeah, definitely agree with that.”

250927 Scottie Scheffler of Team USA during a fourball match on day 2 of The Ryder Cup on September 27, 2025 in New York. Photo: Jesper Zerman / BILDBYRAN / kod JZ / JZ0618 golf ryder cup day 2 bbeng *** 250927 Scottie Scheffler of Team USA during a fourball match on day 2 of The Ryder Cup on September 27, 2025 in New York Photo Jesper Zerman BILDBYRAN kod JZ JZ0618 golf ryder cup day 2 bbeng PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSWExNORxFINxDEN Copyright: JESPERxZERMAN BB250927JZ084

Scheffler has been a constant presence at the top of professional golf since early 2022. In fact, he has held the No. 1 ranking for a total of 177 weeks now.

His streak began with his first PGA Tour win at the WM Phoenix Open in 2022. Since then, he has recorded 20 tour victories, joining Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to reach that mark and win four majors before turning 30.

In January, Scottie Scheffler opened 2026 with his 20th career victory at The American Express. However, that streak faces another test this week in TPC Scottsdale.

Scottie Scheffler Had a Rough Start at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open

Scheffler began the tournament with a 2-over 73, marking his first over-par round in several months. During the round, he showed a visible reaction after a missed chip.

However, he later identified what he described as a “glitch” in his grip and adjusted over the next two days. Thanks to the adjustment, Scheffler followed up with a 6-under 65 in the second round and a 4-under 67 in the third and made the cut.

Entering the final round on Feb. 8, 2026, Scheffler sits tied for 16th at 8-under par. He trails leader Hideki Matsuyama, who is at 13-under, with four players tied for second at 12-under.

Looking ahead, Scheffler said he'll need a “special round” on Sunday if he is to contend for a third win.

You can read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi