Scottie Scheffler's first-round struggles prove capability of world's No. 1 golfer -- despite lack of wins
CBS Sports
by
Patrick McDonald
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scottie Scheffler’s inconsistent first-round performances have been a recurring theme during the 2026 PGA Tour season. Despite leading the tour in overall scoring average, Scheffler ranks a lowly 116th in Round 1 this season. At the Genesis Invitational, he struggled early, playing his first 10 holes at 5 over and requiring an 8-foot par putt on his 36th hole to avoid elimination. Yet, despite these challenges, Scheffler still managed to threaten extending his remarkable streak of top-10 finishes, though he ultimately fell short.
Scheffler’s ability to perform under pressure is undeniable. He began the season with a victory at the American Express, becoming one of only three players under 30 to achieve 20 PGA Tour wins and four major championships—joining Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in this elite group. His consistency has been remarkable, with a top-10 streak that reached nearly 20 events before his recent stumble. However, Scheffler’s inability to convert strong performances into outright victories at marquee tournaments like the Genesis Invitational, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and WM Phoenix Open highlights a gap between his overall game and his ability to close out wins.
The significance of Scheffler’s struggles lies in their contrast to his overall dominance. While he continues to set records for consistency, his lack of first-round success raises questions about whether he can maintain his world No. 1 status without more high-profile victories. His story is a microcosm of the challenges even the best players face—translating consistent excellence into sustained victory form.
Scheffler’s journey also underscores the importance of perspective in golf. While his early-round struggles are evident, they don’t overshadow his ability to compete at the highest level, as demonstrated by his T12 finish at Riviera alongside Jordan Spieth, who was enjoying one of his best performances in over a year. This context is crucial for readers interested in sports, as it highlights the fine line between brilliance and frustration that even the world’s top gol
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026