The PGA Tour is receiving a much-needed boost with Scottie Scheffler’s return from injury at the upcoming AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. After a few weeks of lackluster TV ratings due to NFL counter-programming, Scheffler’s entrance into the field is expected to generate excitement among fans and bring some star power back to the sport. The World No. 1’s announcement came on Friday afternoon, marking his first start of the year after a Christmas cooking accident that required surgery.
Scheffler had targeted the Pebble Beach Pro-Am as his comeback event after an extended offseason due to his injury. The two-time major champion sustained a cut from broken glass while cooking ravioli over the holidays, leading to surgery to remove the glass. He has been away from his golf clubs for an extended period, with his last public start at the Crypto.com Showdown in Vegas in December. Despite the setback, Scheffler is eager to return to competitive golf and continue his success from the previous season.
In 2024, Scheffler had a remarkable season, winning nine tournaments and earning a second Masters victory and an Olympic gold medal. The 28-year-old established himself as one of the most dominant figures in the sport, and the PGA Tour is hopeful that he will continue his success in 2025. With lagging TV ratings and decreasing fan interest, the Tour is counting on players like Scheffler to attract viewers and revive interest in professional golf.
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am serves as a key event for the Tour’s Signature Events series, which aims to showcase high-profile tournaments with top players competing. Despite challenges in the first year of the series, including weather-related cancellations, the Tour is optimistic about this year’s event. The forecast looks promising, and with the addition of Scheffler and other top players like Jordan Spieth, the field strength is expected to increase significantly.
Both Scheffler and Spieth are returning from injuries and surgeries, adding excitement and anticipation to their comeback performances. The Tour is hopeful that these two players, along with other stars, will help boost viewership and fan engagement in 2025. Negotiations with the Saudi PIF for a potential deal to secure peace in professional golf are ongoing, highlighting the importance of top players in shaping the future of the sport.
With decreasing TV ratings and challenges in retaining viewership, the PGA Tour is facing a critical moment in its history. The sport’s foundation is showing signs of strain, with a significant drop in audience numbers and a lack of star presence in recent events. As the Tour navigates these challenges, the return of players like Scheffler and Spieth offers hope for a brighter future and a renewed interest in professional golf.
Overall, Scheffler’s return to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a significant development for the PGA Tour and the sport of golf as a whole. Fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting his comeback and hoping that he will continue to showcase his exceptional talent on the course. With the support of other top players and the Tour’s efforts to enhance its event lineup, the 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting and pivotal year for professional golf.
