Scottie Scheffler Schedule: When Will His 2026 Season Kick Off? Delayed PGA Tour Start Explained
It’s been a year since Scottie Scheffler was forced to withdraw from the Sony Open in Hawaii due to a kitchen accident that left him with broken glass in his hand. But as he returns to Waialae Country Club this January, there are no bandages, no asterisks – just the weight of a historic season behind him and another one waiting to begin.
The World No. 1 golfer has had an incredible year, with multiple wins and top finishes that have solidified his position at the top of the rankings. But as he prepares to kick off his 2026 PGA Tour season at the Sony Open, fans are wondering why his season is starting later than usual.
The answer lies in the PGA Tour’s new schedule, which was announced earlier this year. The 2026 season will now begin in January, instead of the traditional October start, giving players a longer offseason to rest and prepare for the upcoming year. This change was made to accommodate the new Olympic schedule, with the Tokyo Games set to take place in July 2026.
For Scheffler, this delayed start to the season may actually work in his favor. After a grueling year on the course, he now has more time to rest and recover before getting back into the swing of things. And with the Olympics on the horizon, he has even more motivation to start the season strong and secure his spot on the U.S. team.
But this isn’t the first time Scheffler has faced a delayed start to his season. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the PGA Tour to suspend play for several months, pushing back the start of the season. However, Scheffler used this time to his advantage, working on his game and coming back stronger than ever.
And that’s exactly what he plans to do this time around. With the delayed start, Scheffler has been able to focus on his physical and mental preparation, ensuring that he is in peak condition for the upcoming season. He has also been working closely with his coach, honing his skills and fine-tuning his game.
But it’s not just about the physical aspect for Scheffler. He knows that mental strength is just as important in the highly competitive world of professional golf. And with the pressure of being the World No. 1, he has been working on his mental game, staying focused and positive despite the challenges he may face on the course.
As he tees off at the Sony Open, Scheffler will have the weight of a historic season behind him. In 2025, he became the first player in PGA Tour history to win three consecutive majors in a single season, a feat that solidified his position as one of the best golfers in the world. And with his sights set on even more records and achievements, he is determined to continue his winning streak in 2026.
But Scheffler is not one to rest on his laurels. He knows that the competition will be fierce, with other top players vying for the top spot. And he is ready for the challenge, using his past successes as motivation to push himself even further.
As the 2026 PGA Tour season kicks off, all eyes will be on Scottie Scheffler. And while his delayed start may have raised some questions, there is no doubt that he will come out swinging and continue to make history on the course. So let’s all sit back and enjoy the ride as Scheffler takes on the best in the world and shows us why he is the World No. 1.