Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one ranked golfer, is currently enjoying a remarkable streak akin to the glory days of Tiger Woods. Having dominated the PGA Tour since November 2024, Scheffler has racked up eight wins, including two major championships and even added Olympic gold to his already impressive resume. His recent performances have placed Scheffler as the heavy favorite at every tournament he enters, including the upcoming WM Phoenix Open.
At the WM Phoenix Open, scheduled for February 6, 2025, Scheffler is once again seen as the player to beat, with his odds sitting at around 3-1. This mirrors the betting dynamics reminiscent of Woods' peak. Despite the excitement around his betting odds, Scheffler keeps a level head about his performance and potential outcomes. "Believe it or not, I don't bet on golf," he stated when asked about sports gambling's growing presence surrounding the sport. "At the end of the day, I don’t pay attention to any of it, but I couldn’t care less what I’m favored to win. It doesn’t mean anything. I start the tournament even par, so it doesn’t really matter."
Scheffler’s focus appears aligned solely on the competition, as he noted, "I think going out and playing the tournament and doing the best I can over the course of 72 holes is what I’m focused on." With impressive results to show for his dedication, it’s clear why he opts for the simpler approach—just play golf.
His dedication to the sport was evident after suffering an accident just before the holiday season, which delayed his debut for the 2025 PGA Tour season. Son of Texas, Scheffler made his return to competitive golf at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he quickly found his footing, finishing tied for ninth place and leading the field with his approach game.
Off the green, Scheffler's interactions with fellow golfers illuminate his personable side. Recently, during his appearance on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Billy Horschel took the opportunity to poke fun at Scheffler's exceptional skills. "Why are you so good?" Horschel quipped, half-jokingly asking why Scheffler couldn’t win less to be more relatable. The banter continued as Horschel jokingly accused Scheffler of being selfish for winning so much, saying, "Didn’t he make enough last year? 70 million on the golf course, I mean, won nine times. God, guy’s a selfish, selfish ba****d. I mean, everyone thinks he’s a nice guy, but I guarantee you, behind closed doors, he must not be all nice."
Scheffler took the ribbing light-heartedly, saying, "I was very surprised when Billy saw a microphone. I feel like he had to say something. That was very unlike Billy." His ease with playful criticisms highlights his comfort both on and off the course—as he continues to build his reputation, both as a top performer and as someone who’s easygoing and relatable with peers.
Scheduled to tee off on February 6 alongside Tom Kim and Max Homa at 2:44 PM ET from the first hole of TPC Scottsdale, Scheffler’s golfing prowess will once again draw attention as he looks to maintain his extraordinary form and possibly add another victory to his collection.
While many fans and fellow players alike will be watching to see whether he can secure yet another win, the narrative surrounding Scheffler also embraces his interactions and personality off the course. It seems the world of golf has not just one but two stories to follow: the competitive saga of Scheffler’s burgeoning legacy and the engaging, lively banter among players.