Could Scottie Scheffler take back world No.1 ranking at the WM Phoenix Open?
Scottie Scheffler, the current world No. 2, is all set to compete at the WM Phoenix Open, scheduled to take place at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, between February 9 and 12.
Scheffler has a brilliant opportunity to surpass current world No. 1, Rory McIlroy, to regain the lead in the Official World Golf Rankings.
McIlroy currently leads the world rankings with an average score of 8.7609, while Scottie Scheffler is second with points of 8.0529.
If the former No. 1 performs well at this week's tournament, he could easily take over from Rory McIlroy. Speaking about the tournament and ranking system, Scheffler said:
"It's just kind of one of those funny things. Right now I'm ranked No.2, but I would say I'm not playing the second-best golf in the world; I think Rory (McIlroy) and Jon (Rahm) are pretty much neck-and-neck for playing the best golf in the world right now, so the rankings are funny. "
He went on to say:
"It's just an algorithm. You don't get any extra trophies or anything like that for having it for a short period of time, but it's more of a reflection of other things, I'd say, but I don't like being No.2. I'd rather be No.1."
The trophy will not only help him reclaim his world No. 1 ranking, but it will also allow him to win a whopping winner's share of $20 million from the purse.
"It's good to be back in Phoenix"- Scottie Scheffler excited to play at the WM Phoenix Open
Scottie Scheffler won the Phoenix Open in 2022 and is now back to defend his title. Although he has won three tournaments since then, including the Masters, the Phoenix Open is special for him.
In an interview, Scheffler said:
"It's good to be back in Phoenix. Got a lot of good memories here. Obviously it's a special tournament for me being the first win, and it's definitely a lot of fun to be back. As far as this week goes, it's exciting. This will be the second elevated event I've played this year, so great field this year, and should be fun."
Scheffler is excited to play in the tournament and said:
"The golf course is in great shape. Greens are always really firm, and you've got to deal with the environment here, but it's something you've got to embrace. It's a lot of fun. I think a few times a year being able to play with this big of a crowd is pretty special for us as players."
The WM Phoenix Open features some of the biggest names in the golf world. One hundred and thirty-two professional golfers will compete in the tournament, and out of these 132, 37 are in the top 50 of the world rankings.
Jon Rahm, the world No. 3, will also be playing in the tournament alongside Rory McIlroy, Xander Scheffele, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tony Finau. The WM Phoenix Open will conclude on Sunday, February 12.