Thursday afternoon kicked off the first round of the WM Phoenix Open, one of the most prestigious courses around and hosting the most decorated athletes this season. Two in particular being favorite Scottie Scheffler and Sahith Theegala, both considered top athletes in this 2025 season. Round one was a round with many ups and downs, with Scheffler bouncing all around the leaderboard and Theegala with a tough start only able to grab one birdie on the day.
Scottie Scheffler, Ups and Downs
It was not the smoothest day seen for Scheffler by all means, yet he was ultimately able to work his way in for a share of the 27th spot in the leaderboards. At one point early, Scheffler found himself towards the bottom of the field and just not able to get his swing consistent. Finishing the day at 2-under 69, the No. 1 ranked Scheffler walked away with some high notes. Coming alive in the 10th hole, he showed those in attendance he can’t be counted out with an impressive eagle.
After hitting on an impressive shot, Scheffler was right back on the roller-coaster of a first round after finding the water on the 12th hole. With now six holes remaining, he stayed poised to get a big finish in terms of the leaderboard. The six hole run accounted for two birdies and another stout 8- foot eagle at the 15th hole. As it currently stands with Wyndham Clark leading the charge, Scheffler is five shots back and looking for a big second round.
Can Sahith Theegala turn it around?
Round one of the WM Phoenix Open for Theegala was one considered to be under performing by many to say the least. Currently sitting tied with a handful at 109th, the 27 year old will start Friday outside of the cut and needing a big round. The story of the afternoon was the inability to put himself in position on the green throughout the day. Finishing with only one birdie and four bogeys, it will be a must for Theegala to start Friday morning off strong.
The biggest problem on the day from the outside looking in, seemed to be the easy shots missed. Not just any shot but ones for countless birdies, holes that could have set up the star for a comfortable opening second round. It will be an uphill battle but one Theegala is familiar to, especially at this course. According to statistics he has an average finish of 16th place and an average score of -12 under in his past appearances. Most recently with a fifth place finish in the 2024 WM Phoenix Open.
Keys to Improvement
What Scheffler needs to fix before round two may sound easier said than done, yet it’s simply staying consistent and finding his swing. He was able to demonstrate a strong turnaround in the closing holes, proving he has some fight left by all means. In his last four trips at this course he has finished T7, first, first, and a third place finish. To catch the leaders on the board, the ability to be strong around the green will be key.
On the other side of things, is a hungry Theegala who will be eager to make a big jump come Friday. Many things will need to go right for him, but he can start with executing when in prime position. Only putting up one birdie in round one was a huge factor in his drop, changing that will help him see improvements. The chance to extend into the weekend will be a hard one, but not a long shot if he can have a finish like his 2024 appearance.
Main photo credit:
© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
