The world No. 1 golfer - and one of Time's Most Influential People - couldn't mount a comeback against Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage.
Scottie Scheffler nearly mounted back-to-back massive comeback wins, but as was his fate at the Masters last weekend, he fell just short of a title at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina this past weekend.
Matt Fitzpatrick held off the world No. 1 golfer and former Texas Longhorn for the win, though the head-to-head final round required a playoff hole.
Scheffler came back from being down three shots on Sunday to Fitzpatrick, who won his second PGA Tour event of the season. After Scheffler birdied the 15th and 16th holes, both players were within a shot of each other on the 18th when it all came down to the short game.
Fitzpatrick's up-and-down chance came up short, resulting in a two put and bogey. Scheffler parred to complete the comeback and match Fitzpatrick's score of 19-under-par for the tournament, sending us to a sudden-death hole.
Scheffler's approach shot from the fairway got caught by the wind and fell short of the green. Fitzpatrick's nestled to within 13 feet, and he parred the hole to capture the title.
"A lot of grit, a lot of grit," said Fitzpatrick on what it took to outlast the four-time major winner Scheffler. "Obviously got off to a great start, but a three-putt on No. 2 and you feel like 'what could have been,' but I would've taken it before I teed off.
"I knew Scottie was going to make some birdies down the stretch, and I had to hang in there a little bit. The only chip shot I've found into the grain this week was at the end of regulation there."
Scheffler finished the tournament 18 under par with a four-under 67 on Sunday. He was seven under par going into the weekend, but the momentum from a sizzling six-under 64 on Saturday carried into the final round sprint with Fitzpatrick, who shot scores of 65, 63, 68 and 70 for the tournament.
The Texas Ex now turns his attention to the PGA Championship, which is scheduled for May 14-17. Scheffler won the event last year at Quail Hollow and looks to defend his title this year at Aronimink Golf Club in Newton Square, Pennsylvania.
He'll do so with his name bearing a new personal title, as well.
Scottie Scheffler Named to Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2026 List
Not only did Scheffler welcome his second child just before this year's Masters, he also received what he considered to be an unexpected honor.
Scheffler was named to Time Magazine's list of the Top 100 Most Influential People of 2026.
Said CBS Sports analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo: "From the moment I met Scottie Scheffler, I could tell he was mature beyond his years. To see a young player become this dominant is rare, especially in golf—unless you have something special inside of you."
"I don’t really know, to be honest with you," Scheffler said to reporters earlier this week in reaction to the recognition. "I don’t really know, essentially, what that means. I don’t know. … I’d much rather try to be a positive influence than a negative one.
"Yeah, I think if you do things the right way, and I feel like I can have some sort of influence over people, and being on the other side of things."
As he always is with the media, Scheffler reflected on his personal and professional journey with grace.
"I dreamed of growing up and being a professional golfer, and being able to achieve my dreams, I’m very fortunate to have been able to do that, but at the end of the day, like I said at The Open last year, that’s not what satisfies me. If I can be a positive influence on someone’s life, that’s a great thing. But at the end of the day, I don’t know if I’m the best role model."
As admirable as that is, especially considering Scheffler's strong sense of faith and family connectedness, if he continues to win at the rate that he has - or simply be in contention each weekend like he has been in 2026 - he will continue to be one of the next generation's biggest role models in sports.
"All of the time he has spent at the course all these years is a big reason he is so successful, but his faith and foundation are equally paramount. He has such great perspective on everything," Romo said.
"His faith is a strong component of why I believe he’s as great a player as he is. There’s a gift in that. It allows him to be freed up in high-pressure situations. He has a strong will and full belief in himself when he steps over a shot. We play a lot of golf together, and his commitment to his craft—and his love of the game—is impressive. I think he’ll remain at the top for years to come because of the pure joy he has grabbing a golf club and hitting a golf ball."
