Key Takeaways:

• Scottie Scheffler is returning from a hand injury that occurred while preparing Christmas dinner.
• The World No. 1 golfer is set to compete at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this week.
• The event features a stacked field including stars like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.
• Despite missing previous tournaments, Scheffler feels ready and excited for his season debut.

Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 golfer, is poised to make his season debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after a freak accident marred his holiday season. The golfer missed the initial events of the year due to a hand injury sustained while making ravioli during Christmas dinner, which required surgery to fix. In his own words, Scheffler described the incident as “stupid,” explaining that he was using a wine glass to roll out dough when it shattered, leading to shards penetrating his palm.

Now over two weeks post-surgery, Scheffler stated he is eager to return to the competitive scene, having thoroughly practiced in the cold weather of Dallas before the tournament. “Everything’s feeling good. I’m definitely excited to play,” he said, optimistic that the injury will not hinder his performance. The golfer has had a stellar previous season, winning seven events on the PGA Tour and garnering the Player of the Year title.

The anticipation surrounding the event is elevated with a robust field featuring not only Scheffler but also Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, the latter of whom is also making a comeback after wrist surgery. The event offers ample excitement against the picturesque backdrop of Pebble Beach, and it has been characterized as an essential highlight for the PGA Tour, aiming to reinvigorate interest amid concerns about dwindling viewership ratings. Scheffler himself emphasized the significance of high-caliber competition at such iconic venues, noting, “When you have great players going at it, I think that’s interesting about sports.”

As the tournament unfolds, Scheffler is looking forward to matching his previous successes and engaging with talented peers, hoping to shake off any residual concerns stemming from his recent injury. “I can’t live in a bubble. Accidents happen,” he said, reflecting on both the unfortunate series of events and his obligation to return to form. The Pebble Beach Pro-Am, featuring a combination of professional golfers paired with amateurs, is set against a hopeful forecast for exciting play.

Check out more about Scheffler’s journey and the upcoming tournament in the detailed reports from Reuters and CNN.