• Scottie Scheffler is making his return to competitive golf after a hand injury sustained while cooking.
• Rory McIlroy humorously advised Scheffler to hire a chef following the incident.
• The field at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is stacked with top players, including McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.
• Pitching for an exciting season, Scheffler looks forward to performing despite his misadventure.
• The event is anticipated to provide a much-needed boost to PGA Tour ratings amidst rising concerns.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is poised to return to action at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this week, having recovered from a rather unfortunate hand injury incurred during Christmas dinner preparations. The incident occurred when he attempted to roll out homemade ravioli using a wine glass in a vacation rental, which shattered and punctured his right palm. Despite the injury requiring surgical intervention, Scheffler remains optimistic about his season debut, asserting that it will not hinder his performance. “Everything's feeling good … definitely excited to play,” he remarked ahead of the tournament, which tees off on Thursday at the renowned AP News.

In lighthearted fashion, Rory McIlroy offered some humorous advice, suggesting to Scheffler that with his impressive earnings—over $62 million in 2024—he could afford to hire a chef instead of cooking for himself. “I think he made enough money to hire a chef. It’s like, why are you cooking yourself?” McIlroy joked, expressing his relief that Scheffler was fully recovered and ready to compete according to Reuters.

The competitive atmosphere is heightened as Scheffler takes part in a loaded field alongside other top players like McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, who is returning post-wrist surgery. With an exciting lineup at the historic Pebble Beach, the PGA Tour is seeking to rejuvenate viewer engagement, responding to previous concerns over declining ratings according to AP News.

Reflecting on his time off, Scheffler noted that while it was frustrating to sit out, the recovery phase allowed him valuable moments with his family. He commented, “We got some good time at home, just us three. It’s pretty rare for me to be home throughout the day without any responsibilities.” This sentiment underscores the personal growth he has experienced amidst the challenges.

As Scheffler prepares to tee off and is enjoying a strong practice routine, he humorously mentioned winning a practice round against his caddie, adding to the lighthearted context of his return via Reuters. The anticipation continues to build around the tournament and the world of golf as Scheffler aims to start the 2025 season on a high note.