SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottie SchefflerHe successfully defended his WM Phoenix Open title Sunday, at TPC Scottsdale, to regain the No. The worlds No. 1 spot.
Scheffler was the winner with a 6-under 65 Nick Taylor2 strokes in breezy conditions at the Stadium Course. The 26-year-old Texan will leap to the top of the rankings, moving up from second to the first. Rory McIlroyWith his fifth PGA Tour win.
Scheffler putted a 22-foot eagle on the par-5 13th, breaking a tie with Taylor. He then took a 2-shot lead with a par-3 16th hole par shot with a 15 footer for par after hitting his tee shot far right on the stadium hole.
Scheffler said that Scheffler was simply trying to hit solid putts about the putt on 16. In those situations, its really all that you can do. When I stand over the ball, all I think about is the speed. I knew exactly what I was doing.
Scheffler birdied Schefflers short par-4 17th hole and closed with a par for 19-under 265
Scheffler stated that Scheffler hit some wild shots off of the tee that were very unusual for the way he shapes the ball. I was able just to grind it out, make lots of putts. I think I only had two birdies this week, which is really impressive considering the golf course.
He took home $3.6 million from the $20,000,000 purse in the second of PGA Tours new designated events. These events were created in response to LIV golf, which aims to bring together the best tour players more often.
Scheffler said, There was a lot of guys up top. I knew it would take a great round. I was the only one who was going to win this tournament. I had to earn it.
Scheffler was beaten last year Patrick CantlayIn a playoff to win his first tour championship. He also won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the WGC Match Play. He was also the PGA Tours Player of the Year.
Scheffler said, I love this environment. Its a lot fun to play. The firmness of the course suits me well. Being able to play many different shots, whether you want to hit it high or low.
He is the seventh successful defender of a tournament title, following Ben Hogan (1946–47), Jimmy Demaret (49-50), and Lloyd Mangrum (1952–53). Arnold Palmer(Three consecutive from 1961 to ’63). Johnny Miller(1974-75). Hideki Matsuyama (2016-17).
Taylor finished with a 65. The Canadian bogeyed 16th, missing a 7 footer after Scheffler missed his par putt. Taylors tee shot at the 175-yard 16th green just missed the left edge and rolled off the green.
Taylor said, I really felt it was a great swing from the tee. That wind was just crazy powerful. I tried to play enough, but it was not enough. I would love to see the chip back there. It was one I could possibly hole. It was still a difficult chip.
Jon RahmAfter a 68, he was ranked third at 14 under. He was also in position to win the No. With a win, he was also in position to take the No.
Rahm stated, I dont think I could have done better the last two days honestly. I didn’t feel like I made bad swings but I did put myself in bad spots.
Wind was a factor throughout the week, with large grandstands and spectator mounds making judging difficult.
Scheffler stated that the wind this week presented a new challenge to the tournament. It was a great challenge and a fun week.
Justin ThomasAfter a 65, was fourth at 13 under. Jason Day(68), followed by 12 below, and Jordan Spieth(70), was another stroke back with Sam Burns (68), Sungjae Im(69) Tyrrell Hatton (69).
Rickie FowlerThe group was at 10 under. The 2019 winner was able to score a hole in one on the par-3 seventh hole, using a 6-iron on the hole measuring 216 yards.
McIlroy tied for 32nd at 4 Under with a 70.