If you’re interested in observing Scottie Scheffler’s golfing abilities, consider reviewing his performance at the previous year’s Hero World Challenge. This is the invitational tournament hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas, featuring a limited field of 20 players, often viewed as a relaxed competition and a pre-holiday getaway.
Following a successful 2024 season where Scheffler secured nine victories across various global events, including a second Masters Tournament title, a successful title defense at The Players Championship, an Olympic gold medal, and his inaugural FedEx Cup championship, Scheffler evaluated his overall performance and determined areas for potential improvement.
“I am constantly seeking opportunities for refinement,” he expressed during that period.
His assessment proved accurate.
By transitioning from a standard putting grip to a saw-style technique, the top-ranked player in the world achieved victory in that particular tournament with a six-stroke margin. Since then, Scheffler has transformed a previously perceived weakness in his putting game into a distinct advantage. This enhancement contributed to his first major championship win outside of Augusta National during the recent PGA Championship, and it has now positioned him within reach of achieving a career grand slam, following his dominant performance at the 2025 Open Championship in Northern Ireland, arguably his most comprehensive showing to date.
Scheffler effectively outplayed his competitors and conquered the challenges of Royal Portrush, ultimately claiming the Claret Jug and earning the prestigious title of Champion Golfer of the Year. In contrast to his previous major victories, where rivals had a glimmer of hope in the final round, this triumph was effectively sealed early when his approach shot on the opening hole landed mere inches from the flagstick.
The discussion quickly evolved from whether Scheffler would win to speculation about the number of major championships he might accumulate throughout his career. His advantage widened (momentarily) to as much as eight strokes, and historical implications began to emerge as significant considerations alongside his performance.
Ultimately, Scheffler secured a four-stroke victory, making him only the third player since the inaugural Masters in 1934 to win four major championships with a margin of three strokes or more (joining Woods and Nicklaus). He also became the first player since John Henry Taylor in 1909 to achieve this feat across his initial four major wins.
This persistent pursuit of maximizing his golfing capabilities – coupled with his exceptional skills in all facets of the game – is what distinguishes Scheffler as such a formidable competitor on the course. It explains why his fellow professionals struggle to articulate their thoughts when asked about Scheffler and succumb to the pressure of performing flawlessly when competing against him.
“How can anyone defeat this player?” Harris English questioned after finishing as the runner-up to Scheffler in a second major tournament this season.
“He is genuinely a full stroke, probably even better, than the next-best player globally, not to mention myself, who is certainly not the second-best player,” Matt Fitzpatrick stated.
“If Scottie maintained unwavering stability in his stance and his swing resembled that of Adam Scott, we would undoubtedly be discussing him in the same terms as Tiger Woods,” Shane Lowry asserted.
“It’s inaccurate to characterize his success as merely a ‘run’. He has consistently performed at an exceptional level for over two years,” Xander Schauffele observed. “He is a difficult opponent to overcome, and seeing his name atop the leaderboard is discouraging for the rest of us.”
“I believe all one can do is admire his accomplishments and the manner in which he achieves them,” Rory McIlroy commented. “His performance is remarkable, but his approach is equally impressive.”
“I don’t believe anyone is quite like him,” Jordan Spieth concurred.
Consequently, the sole instance where Scheffler exhibited genuine emotion during the final round on Sunday afternoon – in a hostile environment, on a course situated just over an hour from McIlroy’s hometown – occurred not during his initial surge of impressive shots, but rather after misjudging his tee shot on the par-3 6th hole, leaving him with a challenging recovery from below the putting surface in front of the green.
With the enthusiastic Northern Irish crowd eager to rally behind their countryman for a comeback, Scheffler’s errant shot elicited audible reactions of concern as a rare mistake appeared imminent. His subsequent pitch landed just beyond 16 feet from the hole for par, and upon sinking the putt, Scheffler emphatically pumped his fist twice, as if acknowledging the support from the spectators surrounding the green.
“I believe the crowd was hoping for someone else to emerge victorious this week,” Scheffler remarked. “And I somewhat played the role of spoiler, which was also enjoyable.”
The remainder of Scheffler’s round proceeded according to plan. Shots were executed effectively, and lighthearted banter was exchanged with his playing partner, Haotong Li, throughout what was described as an exceptionally “calm” round. A subdued applause greeted Scheffler as he approached the 18th green, while the engraver began the process of inscribing his name on the Claret Jug.
Shortly after the final putt was made and Scheffler’s triumph was confirmed, observers witnessed a glimpse of Scottie Scheffler the individual. Following a modest celebration and an embrace with his caddie, Ted Scott, Scheffler focused on the most important figures in the crowd. Only then did genuine joy begin to radiate from his expression.
“Whenever I have the opportunity to win a tournament, my first instinct is always to locate my wife,” Scheffler explained. “Our typical exit route each day is usually on the right side, and I didn’t initially see her there. So I briefly wondered, ‘Oh no, where’s Meredith? What happened? She’s not there.’
“As I moved around the green, I noticed my father standing there. I thought, ‘Okay, excellent, my family must be down there,’ and then I spotted Meredith. She is always the first person I want to share the celebration with. She understands me better than anyone else. She is my closest confidante. Achieving success in this sport requires considerable effort, and I would not be able to do it without her unwavering support.”
Clutching his most cherished companions, Scheffler departed the 72nd green of The Open as a champion in multiple senses – his child in one arm and his wife in the other – with the Claret Jug temporarily out of sight.
“I would affirm that my greatest priorities are my faith and my family. Those are paramount for me,” Scheffler emphasized. “Golf occupies the third position in that hierarchy.”
The trophy presentation ensued. A prepared speech, during which he consulted his notes to ensure he acknowledged every member of his team, followed before Scheffler proudly raised one of the most iconic trophies in the world of sports for the first time. The ceremonial aspects, the spectacle, and the photo opportunities unfolded, culminating with Scheffler standing tall as the Champion Golfer of the Year.
He already embodies much more than that for those who hold the greatest significance in his life.
“We enjoy a fulfilling life, and being able to commemorate tournament victories like this one, I feel that my entire team… their names rightfully belong on the trophy alongside mine because it truly does require a collective effort,” Scheffler acknowledged.
