SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottie Scheffler returns to a site of one of his many successful hunting grounds this week. A two-time winner at TPC Scottsdale, Scheffler is also 10 days removed from his 20th PGA Tour win.
That’s a threshold that gives him a lifetime exemption on the circuit. He’s also enters his 2026 season with four career majors, two of them earned a year ago.
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But he says his win at the American Express is in the rear view mirror and he knows he’s got plenty of time to prep for this year’s majors. This week is all about the WM Phoenix Open.
Scottie Scheffler greets Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on the first tee box ahead of the 2026 Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open.
“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,” he said in the media center with soon-to-be two-year-old son Bennett sitting in a chair near the podium. “So I been preparing hard to get the season started. I got off to a nice start there at the American Express. We had a hectic week at home with a lot of ice and snow last week, but we got a little bit of work in and now we’re here ready to compete again this week and the next couple out here on Tour. So it’s exciting, but I’ve always been at my best when I’m trying to stay present and focusing to get a little bit better each day.”
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Bennett Scheffler sits in a chair during his dad Scottie’s news conference ahead of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
Focus is always required on Tour but for this week, and on certain holes in particular (No. 16, we’re looking at you), focus is key. It’s a challenge Scheffler looks forward to.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing this type of test. I think this golf course plays really well when it comes tournament time. It plays firm and fast, and you got to hit a lot of different shot and you got to be very precise with your ball, but then there is also a big crowd that comes with it as well,” he said. “I think it’s always a lot of fun to play in front of a group this size. It can be a bit hectic out there sometimes, but it really is a lot of fun.”
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Having been here six times prior, the venue, the layout and the fans are nothing knew, but it’s still something to marvel at.
“Yeah, it’s pretty nuts,” he said. “It’s a lot different than what we see throughout the year. I think it’s really fun. It’s a unique experience and I think something that as a professional you always want to be able to experience.
“It is funny, when you’re flying in, you can see all the buildings and you know exactly where the golf course is, and it’s a spectacle for sure.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Scottie Scheffler aims for third WM Phoenix Open victory in 2026