PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Collin Morikawa’s victory at the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Sunday marked a significant turning point in his career, ending a 28-month winless streak and securing his seventh PGA Tour title. The dramatic win, sealed with a birdie on the 18th hole, came as Morikawa held off a late charge from Scottie Scheffler, who ultimately finished tied for third alongside Tommy Fleetwood. While Morikawa celebrated a return to the winner’s circle, Scheffler’s performance raised familiar questions about his consistency in the opening rounds of tournaments and his ability to close out victories when facing pressure.
Scheffler, consistently ranked among the world’s top golfers, has demonstrated remarkable talent and dominance, yet a pattern has emerged: strong performances often falter in the initial stages of competition. This weekend at Pebble Beach, Scheffler’s late surge wasn’t enough to overcome the lead Morikawa had established, highlighting a recurring issue for the 2022 Masters champion. The question surrounding Scheffler isn’t about his peak ability, but rather about what prevents him from consistently bringing that level of play to the first few holes of a tournament, and how he can maintain momentum when contention heats up.
The Early Round Struggles
While specific data on Scheffler’s opening-round averages weren’t immediately available, observations from analysts and fans alike consistently point to a slower start compared to his closing rounds. Reports from the tournament noted Scheffler’s late push, suggesting a familiar pattern of building momentum as the competition progresses. This raises the question of whether mental factors, course management, or a specific warm-up routine contribute to these initial struggles. Is it a case of nerves, a conservative approach to start, or something else entirely?
Morikawa, in contrast, appeared to find his rhythm early and maintained it throughout the tournament, culminating in a final-round 67 and a 72-hole aggregate of 22-under 266. His ability to stay consistent, even during a 20-minute wait on the 18th fairway while another golfer completed his shot, demonstrated a mental fortitude that Scheffler has, at times, lacked in similar situations. Morikawa himself acknowledged the mental challenges he’s faced, noting that he’s “older and have more scar tissue” but still believes in his ability to win.
The Pressure of Contention
Scheffler’s performance at Pebble Beach wasn’t a complete collapse, but it underscored a tendency to struggle when directly in contention for a title. He’s proven capable of dominating fields, but converting those strong positions into victories has been inconsistent. The pressure of leading or being within striking distance seems to affect his decision-making and execution, leading to crucial errors at inopportune moments. This was evident as Morikawa capitalized on his opportunities, securing a one-stroke victory over Scheffler and Min Woo Lee.
The 20 minutes Morikawa spent waiting on the 18th fairway, described as “interminable” by CBS’s Jim Nantz, became a metaphor for his recent struggles. He used the time to refocus and ultimately delivered a clutch shot, a 4-iron from 235 yards that set up a tap-in birdie. This ability to remain calm and execute under pressure is a hallmark of championship golfers, and it’s an area where Scheffler continues to seek improvement.
Looking Ahead
Scheffler’s team will likely analyze his performance at Pebble Beach, focusing on identifying the root causes of his early-round inconsistencies and his struggles to close out tournaments. Potential areas of focus could include adjustments to his pre-round preparation, mental coaching to enhance his composure under pressure, and strategic refinements to his course management. The upcoming tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule will provide Scheffler with opportunities to implement these changes and demonstrate his ability to overcome these challenges.
Morikawa’s victory, meanwhile, is more than just a return to the winner’s circle; it’s a statement of resilience and a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities. He as well announced he and his wife are expecting their first child, adding another layer of joy to his recent success. As the PGA Tour season progresses, both Morikawa and Scheffler will be players to watch, each with their own unique storylines and challenges.
The next scheduled PGA Tour event is the Phoenix Open, beginning February 26th, where Scheffler will have another opportunity to address the questions surrounding his start to tournaments and demonstrate his ability to contend consistently. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if he can translate his talent into more frequent victories.
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