Golf's elite return with a bang! The American Express tournament kicked off with a thrilling display of low scores, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season. But amidst the birdie frenzy, a controversial incident involving a mis-hit ball left one player red-faced.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh from his 2025 triumphs, including major wins at the PGA Championship and The Open, made a statement in his first appearance of the year. He fired a 63 after an early birdie surge, showcasing his intent to dominate yet again. The tournament, held at three different courses in La Quinta, California, saw 156 players compete, with a 54-hole cut at the end of Saturday.
Scheffler's return to action was nothing short of spectacular. After a strong finish at the Hero World Challenge in December, he wasted no time in asserting his presence, birding five of his first six holes. Playing on the La Quinta Country Club course, he added another birdie at the eighth, turning in 30. His impressive round included more birdies at the 12th, 13th, and 17th, where he chipped in from the primary rough, leaving him just one shot behind co-leaders Min Woo Lee and Pierceson Coody, who finished at 10 under.
But here's where it gets controversial. Scheffler's ball struck a spectator when he went left off the tee at the 16th, yet he managed to keep a bogey off his card all day. This incident, though, didn't deter him from achieving his best total in 19 career rounds at the tournament.
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, fresh from a strong finish in Hawaii, also shot a 63, starting his round with five consecutive birdies. Despite a bogey at the 15th, he finished with a birdie at the ninth, capping off a fine performance. The Nicklaus Tournament Course proved favorable for low scores, with 70 players finishing at five under par or better.
The day's standout performers were Woo Lee and Coody, who both carded 62s. Lee's round included five birdies on either side of the turn, while Coody's seven successive birdies from the 11th were a highlight.
As the tournament progresses, the leaderboard is packed with talent. Scheffler and MacIntyre are joined by notable players like Jason Day, Patrick Cantlay, and Ben Griffin, all at nine under. Day's performance on the Stadium Course, considered the toughest of the three, was particularly impressive.
England's Jordan Smith and Matt Wallace also impressed, shooting 64 and 66, respectively. However, not everyone found the low scores so easy to come by. Justin Rose finished at level par, while American Brian Harman endured a challenging round, mistakenly hitting an amateur's ball and incurring a two-shot penalty, ultimately finishing at one over.
As the tournament continues, the question remains: Can Scheffler maintain his momentum and secure another victory, or will the controversy surrounding his spectator strike impact his performance? The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, with every round live on Sky Sports Golf. Tune in to witness the drama unfold!
