Scottie Scheffler, the young golf sensation, is feeling the pressure as he enters a winless season, casting a shadow over his Masters Tournament hopes. Scheffler’s underwhelming performance in the current season is stirring unease among golf enthusiasts and insiders alike. His recent admission, “I think I feel pretty bad about where I am,” amplifies the alarm bells ringing in the golfing world.
The fear of unmet expectations is at the heart of these concerns, as expressed by commentator Andy Johnson during a recent episode of Fried Egg Golf. He shared his apprehension about Scheffler’s performance, noting that heading into Augusta without a win could be a problematic start to the 2025 season. He compared this with Scheffler’s previous year when, despite not winning the first five events, he triumphed at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (API). Can history repeat itself this year? The question hangs in the air.
The anxiety surrounding Scheffler’s current form is rooted in the contrast with his spectacular performance during the 2025 season. That year saw Scheffler’s meteoric rise, with seven PGA Tour victories, a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, and clinching the season-long FedExCup title. He was also the recipient of the 2025 Jack Nicklaus Award, crowning him as the PGA Tour Player of the Year. His estimated earnings, including prize money, bonuses, and sponsorship deals, were reported to be a staggering $104.3 million.
In 2025, Scheffler dominated the golfing world, holding the top spot on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the entire season. This achievement prompted comparisons with golf legend Tiger Woods. In fact, Scheffler achieved six wins before July, a feat last accomplished by Woods. He also joined the exclusive club of golfers, including Woods and Rory McIlroy, who have won the Jack Nicklaus Award in three consecutive seasons. These accomplishments set high expectations for Scheffler’s 2025 season, which, so far, he has struggled to meet.
Scheffler’s recent performance at the WM Phoenix Open was a clear sign of his struggle. He ended the 3rd round 2 under par and clearly frustrated, toppling his bag with his club after a poor shot at the 15th hole. These are telling signs that the young golfer is grappling with mounting pressure.
However, despite his struggles, there is still a flicker of hope among golf insiders. NBC Analyst Johnson Wagner recently advised Scheffler to get rid of his pulling and tighten up his misses. Joseph LaMagna, another golf commentator, expressed confidence in Scheffler’s ability to manage expectations. He pointed out, “He clearly gets frustrated, but his expectation management is pretty good.”
Scheffler himself seems to be gearing up for a comeback. He recently shared an Instagram post from Bay Hill, expressing his readiness for the challenges ahead. Performance coach Dr. Troy Van Biezen DC also shared a photo of Scheffler working out, indicating his commitment to improving his game.
The question remains, can Scheffler turn his game around and replicate his 2025 success? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – the golf world is eagerly awaiting Scottie Scheffler’s next move. The stakes are high, and the expectation is palpable.
