The first Signature Event of the year brings Rory’s title defense, Scheffler’s dominance, and a $20 million purse to the most beautiful course in golf.

I played Pebble Beach twelve years ago, and I still get goosebumps every time I see it on TV. The way the cliffs drop into the Pacific, the fog rolling across the fairways, that tiny green on 7 hanging over the ocean…there’s no course in the world that hits you the way Pebble does. So yeah, I’m fired up for this week.

Rory’s Back — But Is He Ready?

Rory McIlroy is making his 2026 PGA Tour debut right where he kicked off his dream season last year, holing out from 119 yards at Spyglass, eagle on 14 Sunday, bogey-free 65 on Saturday, two-shot win over his buddy Shane Lowry. That run launched a Masters win, a Players title, and a Ryder Cup. The question is whether he can flip that switch again. Pebble Beach rewards precision wedge play from 50-150 yards, and that’s exactly where Rory leveled up last year. Can he find it again on Day 1? That’s the storyline.

The Scheffler Problem

Here’s what’s terrifying about Scottie Scheffler: he lost 2.1 strokes in Round 1 at Phoenix last week — and still almost won the tournament. He gained 13.8 strokes over the final three rounds. The gap between him and everyone else isn’t closing. It’s widening.

The Ones Nobody’s Talking About

Justin Rose just set a scoring record at Torrey Pines and has a 2023 Pebble win. Tommy Fleetwood, the reigning FedEx Cup champ, is also making his Tour debut this week. And keep an eye on Si Woo Kim, he hasn’t finished worse than T-11 all season. Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele’s wedge play quietly ranks second in the field. Sleeping on him would be a mistake.

The Bottom Line

Eighty players, $20 million, no cut, and the most iconic backdrop in golf. This week isn’t just a tournament, it’s going to be an experience. And I’ll be watching every single shot wishing I was there…