Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 Masters Tournament without a recent victory, yet his season includes one PGA Tour win and two top-four finishes. Many players would envy such results over an entire year.
Scheffler’s Recent Struggles
Scheffler shows clear swing inconsistencies this year, particularly during The Players Championship, where he finished tied for 24th at TPC Sawgrass three weeks ago. He has not competed since, potentially facing rust at Augusta National.
Despite these challenges, Scheffler remains the world No. 1 golfer. However, his iron play raises red flags: he ranks 80th in strokes gained approach, a sharp decline from his No. 1 position over the previous three seasons.
Brandel Chamblee’s Analysis
Golf analyst Brandel Chamblee highlights potential issues in Scheffler’s mechanics. Chamblee praises Scheffler’s coach, Randy Smith, as the best in the world, citing Smith’s success with players like Justin Leonard, Ryan Palmer, Harrison Frazar, and Colt Knost.
“He’s got the best coach in the world, in my view,” Chamblee states. “And I don’t say that haphazardly, just because he’s coaching Scottie Scheffler. Randy Smith has put upwards of a dozen to 15 players at the highest level of professional golf.”
Chamblee expects a quick fix but notes surprises in Scheffler’s swing: “I was very surprised at just how short his golf swing was, how open the face was, and how much across the line it was.”
Recent personal milestones add distractions. Scheffler and his wife, Meredith, recently welcomed their second child, following three weeks off. “All of those things, I think, as wonderful as they are, they’re distracting to play the game at the highest level,” Chamblee observes.
Masters Outlook
Chamblee ranks Scheffler among top contenders but not his outright favorite, despite betting markets favoring him. “He’s just been enough off his game this year that I wouldn’t make him the favorite,” he says. Early rounds at Augusta will reveal if adjustments take hold.
Scheffler’s pedigree supports a rebound: 20 PGA Tour wins since February 2022, including four majors. His mental toughness, precise irons, and short game suit Augusta perfectly, provided he sharpens his form during the layoff.
