SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The narrative surrounding Scottie Scheffler’s week at the WM Phoenix Open was supposed to be simple: The world No. 1 and two-time defending champion would cruise to a third consecutive title, further cementing his dominance at TPC Scottsdale’s raucous Stadium Course.

But golf, as Scheffler knows better than anyone, rarely follows the script.

After an uncharacteristic opening-round 73 left him seven shots behind after Thursday’s first round, Scheffler faced a deficit that would have caused most players to start thinking about next week. Instead, he mounted one of the most impressive comebacks of the early 2026 season, ultimately falling just one shot short of forcing his way into the playoff won by Chris Gotterup.

The centerpiece of Scheffler’s charge came at the par-4 14th hole on Sunday, where the 29-year-old rolled in a monstrous 72-foot putt for birdie that sent the massive gallery into hysterics and briefly made it seem like another Phoenix miracle was in the works.

“I’ve hit some good putts in my career, but that one was pretty special,” Scheffler said afterward, still marveling at the improbability of the hole-out. “I was just trying to get it close and give myself a chance at birdie. When it went in, I couldn’t believe it.”

Thursday’s Stumble

To understand the magnitude of Scheffler’s Sunday charge, you have to start with Thursday’s opening round — a round that was as puzzling as it was frustrating for the typically steady world No. 1.

Scheffler made the turn Thursday at 1-over par, a perfectly acceptable position given the competitive nature of the field. But the back nine was where things unraveled. He bogeyed the 12th after missing the green right, then added another bogey at the 14th when his approach found a greenside bunker and he couldn’t get up-and-down.

A birdie at the par-5 15th provided brief hope, but it was short-lived. At the famous 16th hole, with over 20,000 fans packed into the stadium seating, Scheffler’s 8-iron tee shot came up well short, plugging in the front bunker. He blasted out to 12 feet but missed the par putt, walking off with another bogey.

The 73 left him tied for 73rd place and seven shots behind early leaders. For most players, such a deficit would be insurmountable. For Scheffler, it was merely a challenge.

“I didn’t have my best stuff Thursday,” Scheffler admitted. “I was a little off with my irons, and when you’re off at this level, the course will punish you. But I knew there was a lot of golf left to play.”

The Friday Recovery

Scheffler’s Friday round of 65 was a masterclass in course management and ball-striking. He made the turn in 3-under 33, then caught fire on the back nine with four birdies in a six-hole stretch from holes 13-18.

The key to the round was his iron play, which had betrayed him Thursday but was dialed in Friday. He hit 16 of 18 greens in regulation and needed just 26 putts for the round, a combination that typically produces low scores on any golf course.

“I felt a lot more comfortable over the ball today,” Scheffler said after Friday’s round. “My alignment was better, my tempo was better, and the results showed.”

The 65 moved Scheffler to 6-under for the tournament and within striking distance of the leaders. More importantly, it gave him momentum heading into the weekend.

Moving Day Success

Saturday’s third round saw Scheffler post another solid number, a 4-under 67 that moved him to 10-under for the tournament and into the top 10 on the leaderboard. While he wasn’t in the final group, he was close enough to make things interesting on Sunday.

The Saturday round featured some vintage Scheffler moments, including a spectacular up-and-down from a greenside bunker at the par-3 12th that kept his momentum going. He also showed off his length, driving the green at the par-4 17th and two-putting for birdie.

“I’m in a good spot,” Scheffler said Saturday evening. “I’m playing well, I’m hitting good shots, and I’ve got a chance tomorrow. That’s all you can ask for.”

But standing on the range Saturday evening, Scheffler knew he would need something special on Sunday. He was seven shots behind leader Hideki Matsuyama, and even with his proven ability to go low, seven shots is a significant deficit to make up in a single round.

The Sunday Surge Begins

Scheffler’s Sunday round started with a par at the opening hole, followed by birdies at the par-4 2nd and par-5 3rd. Just like that, he was making noise, and the leaderboard was starting to shift.

After pars at 4 and 5, Scheffler added another birdie at the par-4 6th to reach 13-under for the tournament. He was now within four shots of the lead and very much in the mix.

The front nine closed with pars at 7, 8, and 9, and Scheffler made the turn in 3-under 33. He had made up three shots on the leaders and was starting to apply real pressure.