Scheffler's WMPO T-3 more impressive than AmEx win? | Golf Channel

WM Phoenix Open Highlights

• 🎪 TPC Scottsdale consistently delivers excitement, with holes 13 through 18 being some of the most thrilling on the PGA Tour schedule.
• 💬 Despite minor disruptions from a fan and a volunteer, the overall atmosphere at the WM Phoenix Open was largely positive, with officials making strides since 2024.
• 💡 The event frequently results in a playoff, with seven of the last 11 years concluding in a sudden-death finish.

Chris Kirk's Dominant Performance

• 🚀 Chris Kirk, now a four-time PGA Tour winner, exhibits a fearless approach and the ability to execute a variety of shots, showcasing his versatility.
• 🔥 He has a proven track record of beating top players, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Hideki Matsuyama, often with impressive final-round scores.
• 📈 Currently ranked number five in the world, Kirk still has significant room for improvement, indicating a high ceiling for his career.

Scottie Scheffler's Resilient Play

• 🧠 Scottie Scheffler's ability to contend for the win at WMPO, despite a poor opening round of 73, highlights his patience, high golf IQ, and capacity for self-correction.
• ✅ His T-3 finish, just one shot out of a playoff, was arguably more impressive than his runaway victory at the American Express, demonstrating his ability to perform even without his 'A game'.
• 🎯 Scheffler's peerless iron play and status as one of the best drivers on the PGA Tour make him unstoppable when he's at his best.

Brooks Koepka's Putting Struggles

• ⚠️ Brooks Koepka has faced significant challenges with his putting in recent weeks, including at the WM Phoenix Open and the Farmers Insurance Open, where he was last in the field.
• 🛠️ His switch from a blade to a mallet putter did not resolve the issue, suggesting deeper technical problems with his putting technique rather than just course preference.

Chris Kirk's Collegiate Development

• 🌱 Rutgers Coach Rob Shy recruited Kirk, recognizing his raw talent and athletic mindset, despite an early 'quitting mentality' in a tournament.
• 📚 Kirk's development at Rutgers included improving his scoring average from 74 to 69.89, becoming the Big 10 Player of the Year, an All-American, and a two-time Academic All-American.
• 🏆 His hard work and ability to overcome adversity at Rutgers laid the foundation for his continued success, culminating in his National Player of the Year title in his fifth year at Oklahoma.