Scottie Scheffler has opened the new PGA Tour season with a victory, securing a commanding four-stroke triumph at The American Express in California on Sunday.
The 29-year-old American, ranked number one globally, fired a closing 66 to finish on 27 under par in his first PGA Tour appearance of 2026.
The victory represents Scheffler’s 20th title on the American circuit, a milestone that grants him lifetime membership on the Tour.
Beginning the final day a single shot behind overnight leader Si Woo Kim, Scheffler produced nine birdies to pull away from the field at the Pete Dye Stadium Course.
Scheffler’s round began with a birdie followed by a dropped shot, but he soon asserted his authority with a devastating stretch of scoring from the fourth hole onwards.
The reigning player of the year converted four birdies in six holes to establish a commanding advantage, and by the time he reached the 12th, his lead had extended to five strokes.
Further gains at the 11th, 12th, 14th and 16th holes appeared to set up an even more emphatic margin of victory.
However, Scheffler found water from the tee at the par-three 17th, resulting in a double bogey that merely reduced the final winning margin.
Scottie Scheffler secured a commanding four-stroke triumph at The American Express in California on Sunday
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REUTERS
Scheffler’s remarkable run of success has come entirely within the past four years, with the Texan accumulating all 20 victories since his breakthrough 2022 campaign.
His achievement of 20 wins and four major championships before his 30th birthday places him in elite company, alongside only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Scheffler said: “Pretty wild. It’s been a great start to my career. It’s been special.”
Perhaps most telling of his dominance is that nine of those 20 triumphs have come by margins of four shots or greater.
Scottie Scheffler fired a closing 66 to finish on 27 under par in his first PGA Tour appearance of 2026
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REUTERS
The four-time major winner claimed both the PGA Championship and The Open last season.
England’s Harry Hall emerged as the leading British performer.
He produced an impressive closing 65 to secure a share of 24th position.
Australia’s Jason Day mounted a late charge with a superb 64 on Sunday.
The victory represents Scheffler’s 20th title on the American circuit
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REUTERS
He climbed 18 places to finish as runner-up alongside Ryan Gerard, Matt McCarty and Andrew Putnam.
Kim’s challenge unravelled dramatically at the par-five eighth, where he required two attempts to escape a greenside bunker before recording a double bogey, then missed a short par putt on the following hole.
The South Korean recovered with three birdies on the back nine to salvage a 72 and a share of sixth place.
