The Power 18 golf rankings: Scottie Scheffler on top, Xander Schauffele up to No. 2 as U.S. Open approaches

The first two major championships of 2024 have concluded with top-tier players securing victories. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler donned his second green jacket in April by winning the Masters, and Xander Schauffele finally claimed his first major victory at the PGA Championship in May.

As June begins, anticipation builds for the U.S. Open, with hopes high for the game’s third-best player to clinch the title. Scheffler remains the dominant force in golf, already securing four wins in 2024. He followed his Masters victory with a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship and a runner-up result at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Schauffele, after his triumph at Valhalla, has been absent from the course. However, if his recent form is any indication, more impressive performances are expected this summer. While Scheffler and Schauffele have shown consistency, other big names have struggled. Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay are still searching for their best form. Jon Rahm, now with LIV Golf, has had a quiet major season. Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland appear poised for significant results soon.

The Power 18 rankings offer insight into current player performance, focusing on recent events while providing a narrower lens than the Official World Golf Rankings.

**The Power 18:**

1. **Scottie Scheffler**: Scheffler’s consistency is unmatched. With four wins in 2024, including the Masters, his recent top-10 finish at the PGA Championship highlights his dominance. Over the last 25 starts, he has five wins and 12 top-five finishes.

2. **Xander Schauffele**: Schauffele’s first major victory at the PGA Championship validates his status as the second-best player this season. Consistency is his hallmark, not missing a cut since the 2022 Masters.

3. **Rory McIlroy**: McIlroy’s game is peaking, evidenced by his win at the Wells Fargo Championship and strong finishes at the PGA Championship and RBC Canadian Open. He is a serious contender for the U.S. Open.

4. **Bryson DeChambeau**: With top-10 finishes in the first two majors of 2024 and solid performances in LIV Golf, DeChambeau is in top form heading into the U.S. Open.

5. **Collin Morikawa**: Morikawa’s top-five finishes at the Masters and PGA Championship, coupled with his recent form, make him a strong contender for upcoming tournaments.

6. **Ludvig Åberg**: Despite a recent knee injury, Åberg’s previous performances, including runner-up finishes at Pebble Beach and Augusta National, indicate his potential once he returns to full health.

7. **Viktor Hovland**: Hovland’s resurgence at the PGA Championship and return to his old swing coach signal a promising summer.

8. **Jon Rahm**: Although Rahm’s LIV Golf performances are commendable, his major performances this year have been lackluster, marking a dip in his usual form.

9. **Joaquin Niemann**: Niemann’s success on LIV Golf has yet to translate to major championships, but his solid ball-striking keeps him in the mix.

10. **Wyndham Clark**: Clark’s form has cooled since his early-season successes, with missed cuts at both the Masters and PGA Championship.

11. **Justin Thomas**: Thomas is showing signs of resurgence after a slump, with encouraging performances in recent majors.

12. **Sahith Theegala**: Despite a missed cut at the Canadian Open, Theegala has shown promise with a runner-up finish at the RBC Heritage and a solid showing at the PGA Championship.

13. **Max Homa**: Homa’s game remains strong despite a recent missed cut, making him a contender at upcoming tournaments.

14. **Tommy Fleetwood**: Fleetwood’s consistent leaderboard appearances make him a steady presence, though he seeks his first PGA Tour victory.

15. **Patrick Cantlay**: Cantlay’s season has been underwhelming, but his past successes at Memorial could spark a return to form.

16. **Cameron Smith**: Smith’s performance on LIV Golf suggests he is close to regaining top form, crucial for his U.S. Open aspirations.

17. **Hideki Matsuyama**: Limited appearances and injury issues have kept Matsuyama from showing his best, but his potential remains high.

18. **Russell Henley**: Henley has quietly been one of the most consistent performers on tour. Since the Masters, he has secured three consecutive top-25 finishes, including a top-10 at the Wells Fargo Championship and a commendable showing at the PGA Championship. Known for his precision off the tee and sharp iron play, Henley is often underrated but has the skills to contend regularly. His steady improvement in putting makes him a threat in any tournament he enters.