The Scottie Scheffler Comeback Story: A Pebble Beach Mystery
The 2026 PGA TOUR season has kicked off with a bang, and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is already serving up some unexpected twists.
Ryo Hisatsune (+1100) stole the show on Thursday, closing with a remarkable three-birdie finish to card a stunning 62 and grab the first-round lead. Starting as a longshot at +15000, Hisatsune's performance has everyone talking. But here's where it gets controversial: just behind him are two seasoned winners, Sam Burns (+1100) and Keegan Bradley (+900), who are hot on his trail.
However, the real story might be the man who's 10 shots off the lead. Scottie Scheffler (+2700), the world's top-ranked player, managed an even-par 72 at Pebble Beach, continuing a trend of slow starts. But here's the twist: for Scheffler, slow starts don't mean defeat; they're just a temporary hurdle.
Last week at the WM Phoenix Open, Scheffler showcased his resilience. Despite a messy Thursday, he fought back, climbing to T3 by Sunday, just a stroke away from the playoff. And at Pebble Beach, it was a different kind of struggle. While his approach game was solid, his putting let him down, resulting in a disappointing round.
The stats don't lie: Scheffler lost strokes on the greens and approach, but his overall game is still formidable. He hasn't finished outside the top 20 since the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, and this week's format gives him ample opportunity to make a comeback.
Pebble Beach demands precision off the tee and wedge mastery, and that's exactly where Scheffler excels. He leads the field in Strokes Gained: Approach from 50-100 yards and 100-150 yards. If his irons and putter find their groove, a top-20 finish is almost guaranteed. And if he replicates his Rounds 2-4 performance from last week, we might be witnessing a true champion's comeback.
And then there's Chris Gotterup (+1000 to win), who's been on a roll. After a slow start, I missed the boat on backing him this week, but his Top 5 finish at +180 feels like a no-brainer. Gotterup's approach game is exceptional, and his iron play has improved significantly. The putter is the X-factor, and when it's on, he's a force to be reckoned with.
Gotterup's recent wins at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the WM Phoenix Open prove his consistency. The market might not have fully caught up with his talent yet. Top 5 feels like a safe bet, and I'm excited to see what he brings to the table this week.
So, who will prevail at Pebble Beach? Will Scheffler bounce back, or will Gotterup continue his winning streak? The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling battle. What do you think? Let's discuss in the comments!
