Scheffler is dominating ’24 but has work to do to match Tiger’s best year
As Scottie Scheffler continues his impressive run on the PGA Tour, the question arises: can his 2024 season be compared to Tiger Woods’ best years? Delving into Woods’ unparalleled dominance, particularly in 2000, reveals the monumental challenge of such a comparison. In 2000, Woods’ prowess was unmatched, clinching three major titles and nearing the fabled…
As Scottie Scheffler continues his impressive run on the PGA Tour, the question arises: can his 2024 season be compared to Tiger Woods’ best years? Delving into Woods’ unparalleled dominance, particularly in 2000, reveals the monumental challenge of such a comparison.
In 2000, Woods’ prowess was unmatched, clinching three major titles and nearing the fabled “Tiger Slam.” His victories were staggering, capturing nine titles, including prestigious events like the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. With an astonishing 17 top-five finishes in 20 starts and a remarkable stroke average of 68.17, Woods’ performance set an unattainable standard in professional golf.
In contrast, Scheffler’s 2024 season has been notable, marked by four wins in five starts, with his only deviation being a T2 finish at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. Across 10 tournaments, Scheffler boasts a stroke average of 68.74, displaying remarkable consistency with not a single round over par.
However, Scheffler acknowledges that his name lacks the same aura as Woods’ did during his prime. While competitors feared Woods’ presence on the leaderboard, Scheffler sees his challengers as more excited than intimidated. Despite his impressive streak, Scheffler recognizes the need for a larger sample size to truly assess his performance against Woods’ legacy.
For Scheffler to ascend to the heights of Woods’ dominance, he would need to secure additional major victories and maintain a steady pace of PGA Tour triumphs. With only 18 career major appearances, including notable finishes like a T2 at the 2023 PGA Championship and a third-place finish at the 2021 U.S. Open, Scheffler faces the challenge of competing on unfamiliar courses in the remaining majors of 2024.
The diversity of recent major champions further highlights the competitive landscape Scheffler navigates. Since his maiden major victory at the 2022 Masters, seven different golfers have claimed major titles, showcasing the depth of talent on the Tour.
While Scheffler’s current run falls short of Tiger-esque dominance, it holds promise for the future. The upcoming PGA Championship at Valhalla presents a pivotal opportunity for Scheffler to further solidify his place among golf’s elite and perhaps inch closer to the lofty standards set by Woods.
In conclusion, while Scheffler’s 2024 season is commendable, it requires additional milestones and achievements to merit comparison to Tiger Woods’ legendary years. Only time will tell if Scheffler can emulate the unparalleled success of golf’s most iconic figure.