Scottie Scheffler has defended his form ahead of The Players Championship, insisting his expectations of himself are different from those of the media.

The world number one started 2026 with a four-shot win at The American Express, but has since finished third, fourth, 12th and 24th in his following four events.

The latter finish came at last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, which marked Scheffler's worst PGA Tour finish in 13 months.

Scheffler is aiming to join Jack Nicklaus as the only players to have won The Players title three times when he takes to TPC Sawgrass, and the former is confident in his abilities.

"I'm always my own biggest critic," said Scheffler.

"Your expectations of me are living week by week. My expectations of myself are almost more shot by shot.

The wildest swings from World No. 1  pic.twitter.com/vBto2gamfl

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 10, 2026

"I think when you look at the perspective of the media, it's always trying to create a story, which can be a great thing - that's part of your job.

"But when it comes to my golf game, my expectations are all based around what I want.

"For me mentally on the golf course, it's about being committed to what I can do and controlling that aspect.

"So far, throughout this season, I've been really good in some spots and then some other spots I feel like I can improve in terms of my commitment to the shot.

"The conclusion is I'll trust my feel before anything else."

Scheffler, who has won The Players in two of the last three years, will partner Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Thomas in the opening two rounds of the competition.