World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives at TPC Scottsdale this week on a mission to cement his name amongst golf’s legends by capturing an unprecedented third straight WM Phoenix Open title.
The unflappable Texan has established himself as the world’s preeminent golfer over the last two years, but securing the elusive three-peat in the Valley of the Sun would elevate him into rarefied air. Only nine men in PGA Tour history have won the same event at least three years in a row, with Steve Stricker the last to do so at the John Deere Classic from 2009-2011.
Should Scheffler hoist the trophy on Sunday, he would join the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer as the only players in the post-WWII era to achieve the feat, a significant consideration for golf picks and predictions this week.
TPC Scottsdale Tailor-Made for Scottie Scheffler Strengths
The No. 1 player in the world sits atop the strokes gained leaderboard over the past year, leading in overall strokes gained as well as off-the-tee and approach play. TPC Scottsdale handsomely rewards precision ball-strikers who can handle the pressure-packed finishing stretch.
“Ball-striking around this golf course is important,” said Scheffler. “Dealing with the fans is also important. It provides some fun stuff but also some challenges.”
Indeed, TPC Scottsdale has consistently identified elite champions, with Hall of Famers like Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh each notching four wins. More recently, stars such as Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka and Webb Simpson have their name etched on the trophy.
Examining strokes gained data at TPC Scottsdale reveals a leaderboard mimicking major championship contention, with 12 major titles between the top eight players.
Along with his world-beating talent, Scheffler possesses an ideal temperament for the raucous setting. While many players wilt playing before the vocal crowds, the mild-mannered Scheffler remains undaunted.
“It’s definitely fun being able to play in front of this many people,” he said.
Danger Looms on Dramatic Finish
The winner likely will be determined by a dramatic three-hole finish that begins at the risk-reward par-5 15th. With trouble lurking and eagles in sight, bold play is rewarded. The adventure continues to the rowdy par-3 16th, before competitors face a drivable par-4 at the 17th.
Last year, runner-up Sahith Theegala learned how quickly dreams can be dashed on the perilous home stretch. After grabbing a share of the lead with an eagle at 15, Theegala found the water on the iconic 16th and doubled the 17th to effectively end his chances.
Conversely, bold and precise play can lead to a triumphant march to victory. In 2018, champion Gary Woodland eagled 15 and birdied the last two holes to clip Chez Reavie. The multi-faceted test will examine if Scheffler can maintain his elite form through the finish line.
With his fortified mental strength and pristine ball-striking, Scheffler appears well-positioned to survive the late challenges and create history at TPC Scottsdale.
Scheffler Seeks Next Step Toward GOAT Status
In just two short years on Tour, Scheffler has firmly inserted himself into the GOAT conversation in the modern era. Last season, his ascent to world No. 1 was fueled by four wins — including his first major championship — in a dominant two-month span.
With a three-peat in Phoenix, Scheffler would become just the third player to achieve the feat in the past 30 years, joining Woods and Stricker.
During his prime, Woods owned events like the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Bridgestone Invitational in much the same manner Scheffler has taken ownership of TPC Scottsdale. Woods rode his repeat wins to Sabbatini-like domination of the golf world.
As Scheffler seeks to further build his sterling resume, a third Phoenix Open title would underscore his credentials as an all-time great still on the rise at just 27 years old.
While his low-key persona starkly contrasts the raucous environment, Scheffler continues to master TPC Scottsdale through unrelenting precision and poise. With history waiting to be seized, expect the unflappable world No. 1 to calmly tighten his grasp on the WM Phoenix Open trophy come Sunday evening.
As Scottie Scheffler attempts an unprecedented three-peat at the WM Phoenix Open, his precision and poise make him an unparalleled contender. Scheffler has become an expert on TPC Scottsdale since moving there six years ago; fans as well as Canadian sports betting online enthusiasts should brace themselves for an eventful weekend that may make history!
