New Year, Same Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler often gets compared to Thanos—he’s inevitable. But I think he’s more similar to a character from one of my favorite movies of all time: Will Hunting.

“Do you know how easy this is for me? Do you have any fucking idea how easy this is? This is a fucking joke.”

The World No. 1 made just one start post Ryder Cup—T-4 at the Hero World Challenge—so it wouldn't have shocked anyone if he spent this week's American Express just knocking off some rust. But I think it's pretty clear that Scheffler is back in La Quinta, California, for one reason: to win.

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Playing La Quinta Country Club on Thursday—three courses are used for the first three rounds—Scheffler’s first round back in action went exactly how you’d expect.

He birdied his first two holes, made a shocking par at the third, and then rattled off three straight birds on Nos. 4-6. Before making the turn, Scheffler added another at the eighth to go out in 6-under 30. Just another ho-hum stroll.

On his way back to the clubhouse, Scheffler made back-to-back birdies on Nos. 12-13 and one more at the 17th to finish off a 9-under day. Among the many reasons we shouldn’t be surprised about Thursday’s outcome is this video that TaylorMade posted on Wednesday. He didn’t even hit it great and still posted a 30. The guy is from another planet.

Aside from the best player in the world, a few other big names played well during the morning wave on Day 1. Will Zalatoris, in his first TOUR start since a missed cut at the PGA Championship in 2025, posted a 7-under 65 at La Quinta.

Min Woo Lee was en fuego, firing a 10-under(!!) 62 around the Nicklaus Tournament Course. As was Pierceson Coody, who birdied seven straight holes on the NTC’s back nine to cap off a 62 of his own.

But, to be honest, spending time on other players already seems pointless. With Scheffler already near the lead, this thing might be over.