Scottie Scheffler’s recent pattern of sluggish openings continued Friday at Riviera Country Club, where he needed a clutch putt on the final hole to secure his place for the weekend at the Genesis Invitational.
For the third consecutive tournament, Scheffler found himself battling a slow start rather than building an early cushion near the top of the leaderboard. His round at Riviera never fully caught fire, and he arrived at the 18th hole needing to avoid a bogey to ensure he would advance. Facing a 7-foot par putt on the demanding closing hole, Scheffler converted, preserving his score and confirming that he would remain in the field after the cut.
Riviera, long regarded as one of the more exacting tests on the schedule, again demanded precise iron play and a steady putting stroke. Scheffler managed to keep his round intact despite not having his best rhythm early. His ability to scramble and limit mistakes, highlighted by that final par save, kept his week alive. Instead of heading home early, he now has two more rounds to try to climb the leaderboard.
The scenario underscored a contrast between Scheffler’s reputation as one of the most consistent players in the game and his recent tendency to open tournaments without his usual command. While he has often been known for strong tee-to-green performances and steady scoring, his first two rounds at recent events, including this one at Riviera, have required more recovery than domination.
Still, making the cut under pressure can provide a different kind of momentum. Scheffler’s finish on Friday gives him a platform to reset his game heading into the weekend. With the cut behind him and the course setup likely to get more demanding, he will look to sharpen his approach shots and find a more reliable touch on the greens over the final two rounds. The narrow escape on the 18th ensures that his week at Riviera continues, with an opportunity to turn a slow start into a stronger finish.
