Scottie Scheffler experienced his most difficult start ever on the PGA Tour during the rain-affected first round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on Thursday. Typically seen near the top, the World No. 1 found himself near the bottom of the leaderboard after completing only 10 holes before play was halted due to weather delays, marking a highly unexpected and poor start for the four-time Major champion.
Details of Scheffler’s Uncharacteristic 10-Hole Performance
During those initial 10 holes, Scheffler recorded three bogeys and a double bogey, resulting in a score of five over par. According to statistics expert Justin Ray, this was officially the worst 10-hole start of his PGA Tour career. His previous lowest point was a four-over record after 10 holes at the 2014 Byron Nelson Tournament when Scheffler was just a 17-year-old amateur beginning his professional journey.
The stark contrast to his normally consistent and dominant play makes this start especially surprising for fans and experts alike. Even given the limited number of holes played, this round represents a rare deviation from his usual high standards.
Repeated Slow Starts Highlighted by Recent Tournaments
This difficult opening round follows a pattern of sluggish starts for Scheffler, who had similarly slow beginnings at the WM Phoenix Open and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this season. Although the scores of 73 at TPC Scottsdale and 72 at Pebble Beach do not amount to outright disasters, they are notably weaker than his regular performance levels.
At Phoenix, the poor round broke a streak of 33 consecutive rounds under par—a testament to his usual steadiness. Despite the frustration evident from his uncharacteristic mistakes, Scheffler stormed back in both previous events to finish tied for third and fourth, respectively, maintaining an extraordinary streak of 18 consecutive top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, the longest run since Billy Casper’s 17 in the mid-1960s.
Rory McIlroy Sets High Standard Amid Challenging Conditions
While Scheffler struggles, Rory McIlroy provided a shining example of handling difficult conditions at Riviera. The Northern Irishman, competing in his 10th Genesis Invitational, shot an impressive five-under 66 during the opening round, showing tremendous control and only one bogey. McIlroy’s strong play positioned him at the top of the leaderboard, establishing a clear gap between him and players further down the ranks.
England’s Aaron Rai is also making a strong charge, standing at six under par after 16 holes. Meanwhile, Jacob Bridgeman matched McIlroy’s round of 66, making the competition tight at the top as the tournament progresses.
Impact of Scheffler’s Start and What Lies Ahead
Scheffler faces the tough task of erasing his early mistakes to climb back into contention. Despite his rough beginning and the challenging conditions, his history of resilience suggests that he will not remain at the bottom of the leaderboard for long. However, he must overcome a significant deficit against the leaders, especially McIlroy, whose flawless start has set a high bar.
Scottie Scheffler’s current difficulties are a reminder of how even the best athletes can falter, especially under pressure and adverse weather. Golf fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Scheffler can regain his usual form and maintain his remarkable consistency across the PGA Tour.
“Scottie Scheffler’s worst 10-hole starts to a PGA Tour eventToday at Riviera, +5World no. 1 player & 4-time major champ2014 Byron Nelson, +4As 17 year old amateurFebruary 20, 2026”
– Justin Ray, PGA Tour Analyst
“Hey guys… my Pgatour app is broken… It’s showing Scottie as 71stDo I delete and reinstall? Weird pic.twitter.com/JvQB0cl0yJFebruary 20, 2026”
– Anonymous Twitter User
Scottie Scheffler's worst 10-hole starts to a PGA Tour event
Today at Riviera, +5
World no. 1 player & 4-time major champ2014 Byron Nelson, +4
As 17 year old amateur— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) February 20, 2026
Hey guys… my Pgatour app is broken… It’s showing Scottie as 71st
Do I delete and reinstall? Weird pic.twitter.com/JvQB0cl0yJ
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) February 20, 2026
