World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler Makes Comeback at Pebble Beach Pro-Am After Holiday Injury
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will make his 2025 debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, returning from a Christmas cooking accident that required surgery. The injury occurred while making ravioli, when broken glass cut him and needed to be surgically removed.
The return comes at a crucial time for the PGA Tour, which has faced declining TV ratings. Scheffler enters fresh off a remarkable 2024 season that included nine wins, a second Masters victory, and an Olympic gold medal.
He'll be joined by Jordan Spieth, who is also returning to competition after undergoing wrist surgery to address a persistent tendon issue.
The tournament marks the second "Signature Event" of 2025, part of the Tour's new eight-event series designed to showcase the sport's top talent. Last year's event was shortened to 54 holes due to weather, but forecasts look promising for this year's competition.
The timing of Scheffler's return is particularly significant as the PGA Tour continues negotiations with the Saudi PIF amid declining viewership. Recent data shows nearly one-fifth of the Tour's average weekend audience departed in 2024, highlighting the increasing importance of star power in professional golf.
Despite a month-long break from golf - one of his longest stretches away from the sport - Scheffler has used the time for reflection. "I've never been big on reflecting," he said during a Monday press conference, "but as I've been sitting around post-surgery, I did take a little bit of time to go back and watch some stuff from the last year."