Scottie Scheffler Says He Was Discouraged Enough to Avoid Practice, Until Something Clicked
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks at a nearby scoreboard as he walks off the No. 17 green during the second round of the PGA, Golf Herren Tour Championship, August 22, 2025 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 22 PGA FedEx Cup Playoffs - Tour Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250822051
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks at a nearby scoreboard as he walks off the No. 17 green during the second round of the PGA, Golf Herren Tour Championship, August 22, 2025 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 22 PGA FedEx Cup Playoffs - Tour Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250822051
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open witnessed Scottie Scheffler struggling with a rare frustration.
He did climb up to the T28th spot and shot a bogey-free 65, moving him four-under overall through 36 holes. For the first round, Scheffler discovered something with his grip that helped him hold the club more securely. And it was enough to push him to practice. But he lost it in the second round.
Talking to the media at TPC Scottsdale, Scheffler weighed in on the fading grip. He said, “Just getting my hands a little bit more securely on the club is how I would describe it. Yesterday was a dig-it-out-of-the-dirt type of day in the afternoon. I try to avoid those as much as possible at tournaments, but after the way I felt over the ball yesterday, it was definitely needed.”
“I almost was so discouraged I almost didn't even want to go practice. I went out there, and it was well worth it. I felt like I had hit a ton of balls to start the week, more than I normally would; didn't really pay off.”
March 7, 2025: Scottie Scheffler on the 10th tee during second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard held at Arnold Palmer s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, FL. Romeo T Guzman/CSM Orlando USA - ZUMAcg2_ 20250307_faf_cg2_114 Copyright: xRomeoxGuzmanx
March 7, 2025: Scottie Scheffler on the 10th tee during second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard held at Arnold Palmer s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, FL. Romeo T Guzman/CSM Orlando USA - ZUMAcg2_ 20250307_faf_cg2_114 Copyright: xRomeoxGuzmanx
At the end of the day, it was a good warm-up for the 29-year-old. Of course, he didn’t hit the ball like he usually does, but he still managed to extend his streak of making cuts.
But when was the last time Scheffler felt lost enough to opt for practice? Well, the world number one didn’t really have an answer to that. However, he did have something to say about the made-cut streak.
Scottie Scheffler Gets Honest About His Streak of Making Cuts
At the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, Scheffler made his 66th straight cut, marking the PGA Tour’s longest active streak by 46. But for the OWGR number one, the streak is “a bit skewed these days.” For example, the cuts at the 39-hole signature events are a lot different from the traditional PGA Tour cuts.
“You look at days like today. I had an awful day on the golf course yesterday, all around pretty much,” he said. “Definitely take a lot of pride in days like today. It's nice to get myself back in the tournament. Sometimes doesn't feel like there is anything worse than missing cuts.”
Coming to the weekend of the Phoenix Open, we might witness a stronger version of Scheffler. But would it be enough for a win?
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Written by
Krushna Pattnaik
Edited by
Joyita Das