Scottie Scheffler’s difficult start at the WM Phoenix Open ended in an unusual move from the world No. 1 as he chose not to speak with reporters after his opening round.
The 29-year-old, who is usually calm, appeared visibly frustrated following a round that included five bogeys and a double bogey. He finished with a 2 over 73, marking his first over par score since the Travelers Championship last June and snapping a long streak of rounds at par or better.
A moment late in the round quickly spread across social media. On the 18th hole, Scheffler nearly mishit a chip onto the green and watched the ball roll back toward him. Clearly annoyed, he shook his wedge in frustration.
Rather than stopping to speak with reporters afterward, Scheffler headed straight to the practice area, clearly focused on fixing his game ahead of the next round as he looks to make the weekend.
The slow start came as a surprise, especially given his history at TPC Scottsdale. Scheffler won the event in back to back years in 2022 and 2023 and came into the week with confidence after already winning The American Express earlier this season.
His decision to avoid the media also reminded many of Rory McIlroy last year, when McIlroy skipped interviews throughout the PGA Championship following issues with his driver.
While it’s not something fans often see from Scheffler, the opening round served as a reminder that even the game’s top player can have a rough day particularly at one of the PGA Tour’s most intense venues.
How did Scottie Scheffler perform in Round 1 at the WM Phoenix Open?
Front nine
- Hole 1: Par 4 – 5 (bogey)
- Hole 2: Par 4 – 6 (double bogey)
- Hole 3: Par 5 – 4 (birdie)
- Hole 4: Par 3 – 3 (par)
- Hole 5: Par 4 – 4 (par)
- Hole 6: Par 4 – 4 (par)
- Hole 7: Par 3 – 3 (par)
- Hole 8: Par 4 – 5 (bogey)
- Hole 9: Par 4 – 4 (par)
Back nine
- Hole 10: Par 4 – 3 (birdie)
- Hole 11: Par 4 – 5 (bogey)
- Hole 12: Par 3 – 3 (par)
- Hole 13: Par 5 – 4 (birdie)
- Hole 14: Par 4 – 5 (bogey)
- Hole 15: Par 5 – 4 (birdie)
- Hole 16: Par 3 – 3 (par)
- Hole 17: Par 4 – 3 (birdie)
- Hole 18: Par 4 – 5 (bogey)