Scottie Scheffler Gets Real on Torrey Pines Test, Falls Short at Genesis

Scottie Scheffler put up a good fight on Sunday at the Genesis Invitational, but ultimately finished in a tie for third place at 9 under, three shots behind winner Ludvig Aberg. The World No. 1 carded a 6-under 66 during the final round which moved him up five places on the leaderboard.

After the final day, Scheffler spoke to the press and assessed his performance.

"I just wasn't able to hit all the shots today," Scheffler said. "I did a lot of good things out on the golf course today. Ultimately I think a couple iron shots I could have given myself a few more opportunities. I have myself a lot early, but on the back nine I felt I could have given myself some more chances."

"Overall put up a good fight. I didn't have what was my best stuff this week and still found a way to give myself a chance in the tournament. A few less mistakes over the weekend and could be a different story."

Scheffler cited the course conditions at Torrey Pines during the week as the toughest test of the Genesis Invitational:

"I think the biggest challenge is the golf course. I think staying patient on the greens is really challenging. You can hit a lot of good putts and the ball can not go in the hole, especially late in the day on poa annua, especially when they're soft. I think it's just a constant battle within yourself to stay patient and stay patient with the golf course, especially when I'm pressing coming from behind."

The Ridgewood, NJ native began the final round tied for eighth place after Scheffler posted his worst score in nearly 2,000 days on Saturday. He made a strong charge on the front nine on Sunday with five bogey-free birdies that allowed him to close the gap on the leaders, and at one point in the round he was just one shot off the lead.

On the back nine, the two-time Masters champion added birdies on 13, 15 and 18. However, he bogeyed 11 and 16, which cost him any chance at the title.

Data from the official PGA Tour website shows that Torrey Pine's back nine was where Scheffler struggled the most, posting a 1-over total on that section with five birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey. He played the 16th hole at 2-over for the tournament, with two bogeys and no birdies.

In contrast, Scheffler had one eagle, 11 birdies and three bogeys on the front nine throughout the week, for an 10-under total.

Scheffler also revealed that his upcoming commitments include the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship, both in March, before defending his Masters Tournament title in April. However, he did not say whether he will be adding other events to his schedule in the coming weeks, such as the Texas Children's Houston Open, where he tied for second a year ago.

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