CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As Scottie Scheffler strode down the 15th fairway at Quail Hollow on Sunday, he couldn’t help but glance over his left shoulder. Across the pond, the only competitor standing between him and the Wanamaker Trophy was visibly feeling the pressure. Scheffler is all too aware of what Jon Rahm is capable of; their rivalry has been a focal point in recent golf history. However, the dynamics have shifted significantly. Scheffler’s impressive consistency has kept him at the top of the world rankings for an astounding 140 weeks, placing him third in the all-time rankings. Meanwhile, Rahm's departure to LIV has limited their encounters, leaving Scheffler in a league of his own.
In a display reminiscent of Tiger Woods at his peak, Scheffler showcased his surgical execution and unwavering nerves during the back nine of a major tournament. His performance left little doubt that he was the player to beat, not just for Rahm but for the entire field. Scheffler secured the PGA Championship by a commanding five shots, and in his humble manner, he noted that he didn’t even bring his best game to the tournament. “I felt like this was as hard as I battled for a tournament in my career,” he said, reflecting on his remarkable journey.
Throughout his increasingly legendary career, Scheffler has demonstrated the capacity to win under pressure. From thrilling comebacks at the Olympics to commanding victories at The Masters and the Byron Nelson, this major triumph stands out for his grit and tenacity. As the crowd erupted in cheers, Scheffler raised his arms in triumph, spiking his hat and shouting in celebration. His father, Scott, could only marvel at the moment, exclaiming, “Words cannot describe what we just witnessed. You are so tough.”
Starting the final round with a three-shot lead, Scheffler faced some challenges early on, hitting just two fairways and four greens on the front nine. This allowed Rahm to catch up, creating a tense atmosphere. Seeking clarity, Scheffler consulted with his caddie, Ted Scott, about his setup. In a moment of levity, Scott joked, “Aim further right,” which turned out to be a pivotal suggestion. On the 10th tee, Scheffler adjusted his shoulders, made a full turn, and launched a 312-yard drive down the fairway, signaling the beginning of his resurgence.
From that point on, Scheffler’s performance was flawless. He hit the fairways with precision, executed pin-high approaches, and faced no stress on the greens. Highlighting his performance, he birdied the drivable 14th hole with a slick bunker shot and followed it with a two-putt birdie on the reachable par-5 15th. As he navigated the daunting “Green Mile,” he maintained a six-shot lead, while Rahm struggled under the pressure. “Most people throw in the towel, and he just has a way to dig deep,” Scott remarked. “He has an ability to say, ‘Oh, no – you’re not coming after me, bud.’”
This victory carries significant historical weight. It places Scheffler ahead of his former rival Rahm in the two-major club, while also positioning him above other players of his generation, such as Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa. At just 28 years old, Scheffler is now eyeing the likes of Brooks Koepka (five majors), Rory McIlroy (five), and Phil Mickelson (six) as he aims to build his legacy further.
Despite his impressive achievements, Scheffler does not measure his career in terms of comparison with others. He has never been one to set grand goals or create lofty aspirations. When he first ascended to the world’s No. 1 ranking in spring 2022, he expressed his astonishment, saying, “I never got this far in my dreams.” Even during emotional moments, such as when he sobbed before the final round of the Masters, he found himself grappling with the swift pace of his success. In contrast, he finds comfort in his simple home life and the routine that accompanies it. “When I can be by myself and I can just practice, it’s one of the most fun things for me,” he shared. “It’s so peaceful, and I love the pursuit of trying to figure something out.”
However, just as it seemed he had reached the pinnacle of his game, Scheffler faced unexpected challenges. A freak hand injury over the holidays necessitated surgery, disrupting his usual practice and preparation. Upon returning to competition, he experienced inconsistencies, leading to moments of frustration and visible grumpiness on the course. During this time, other players capitalized on his temporary struggles, creating a brief respite from his dominance. “A little fire in the belly doesn’t bother me in the least bit,” said Scheffler’s longtime swing coach, Randy Smith. “Sometimes you have to let that out.”
While Rory McIlroy made headlines with three significant titles earlier in the year, Scheffler’s resurgence was undeniable. Just three weeks after McIlroy’s Masters moment, Scheffler shot a staggering 31 under par at the Byron Nelson, winning by eight strokes in his hometown. At Quail Hollow, he became only the second player since 1985 to win consecutive events by five shots or more, reinforcing his elite status.
As Scheffler continues to dominate, his statistics reflect a player who is not only back but potentially better than ever. His combination of precision off the tee, lethal iron play, and elite putting skills has not been seen since Woods' era. “He’s maturing as a player,” Smith noted. “When you add good decision-making with good golf, he’s putting together some nice work.”
At Quail Hollow, Scheffler’s performance was a testament to his resilience. Despite facing challenges, including a mud-ball double bogey during an opening round, he managed to finish strong, gaining significant ground on the leaderboard. His ability to seize control of the tournament while others faltered showcased his mental fortitude. “The greatest gift that he has,” Scott pointed out, “is his mental thought process and his ability to stay tough and resilient.”
With this major victory, Scheffler has now made history by winning all three of his major titles by three or more shots, a feat not accomplished since Seve Ballesteros. He has joined the elite company of legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as one of the few players to win 15 times, including three majors, before the age of 29. His consistency and dominance in the game suggest that he is not merely competing against his contemporaries but is in a race with history itself.
“He’s got that fire, and there’s been no signs of dimming,” Smith concluded. “In fact, I think that fire is just going up a little bit.” For Scheffler, this is not a daunting prospect; instead, it fuels his ambition to continue achieving greatness in the world of golf.
