Scheffler’s Dominant Performance Earns Points and Draws Comparisons to Woods

Scottie Scheffler, who aims to increase his two major victories in 2025, further solidified his undisputed position as the world’s top golfer, despite not requiring additional world ranking points to do so. The 28-year-old American concluded an exceptional 2024 season by returning from a two-month break to secure a six-stroke win at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last Sunday. The result was never uncertain, marking another commanding performance from the current Masters, Players, and Olympic champion, whose previous competitive appearance was at the Presidents Cup in September. However, certain qualifications apply. This triumph occurred within a field of merely 20 participants, and Scheffler was among just three competitors ranked in the world’s top 10. Relative to his other eight tournament wins in 2024, this one held the least significance, yet its influence is expected to persist. It is evident that extraordinary golfing prowess continues to define the sport’s leading practitioner. He conclusively demonstrated this by completing the tournament 25 under par, successfully defending his title. Tournament host Tiger Woods remarked, “He doesn’t really do anything wrong.” The sustained excellence of his play necessitates comparisons with the 15-time major champion. While Woods’ historical record remains vastly superior, the current world number one is accomplishing achievements reminiscent of Tiger Woods. Scheffler finished 293 under par across his 21 starts this year. He claimed victory in nine of those tournaments, representing 42.9% of them, thereby matching Woods and Vijay Singh for the highest number of wins in a single season. The towering Texan is the first male golfer since Woods in 2009 to commence and conclude the year holding the world number one ranking. Woods accumulated more ranking points in 2000, during his completion of the “Tiger-slam” of all four majors, and also in 2005 and 2006. On each occasion, he surpassed the 700-point threshold, and Scheffler has now become the sole other player to achieve this milestone within a calendar year. To provide perspective, his 2024 total of 727 points stands against 444 for Xander Schauffele, who claimed The Open and US PGA Championship, and 347 for Rory McIlroy, the world number three and Race to Dubai champion. Observing the final round in the Bahamas, Woods characterized Scheffler’s unique footwork as “the contortions he gets into” while openly expressing his admiration for the champion’s precise and controlled ball striking. Woods further commented, “If you stand behind him and watch the ball flight it is very tight either way.” “Yes, he’s making a significant number of birdies, but he’s not making any mistakes. No doubles, no loose bogeys here and there.” These attributes mirrored the disciplined golfing approach perfected by Woods during his prime. Furthermore, Scheffler’s putting, previously considered his weakness, improved after he adopted a mallet-style putter early in the season, guided by British coach Phil Kenyon. Currently, a new refinement involves Scheffler using a ‘claw’ grip for shorter putts, showing promising initial results. “What is that thing?” the highly traditional Woods quipped upon first observing this new technique last week. The former world number one added, “You know he can do it either way.” He continued, “He’s got amazing feel.” “You can see it around his short game and trajectory control into greens. If he has consistency on the greens he’s going to finish top 10 every week and pick off a lot (of wins).” Scheffler accumulated just over 30 world ranking points for his six-stroke triumph against Tom Kim, thereby solidifying his leading position in the global rankings. While it might appear appropriate for such a commanding display to receive significant ranking recognition, this event was an invitational tournament featuring a considerably limited field. This situation does little to bolster the credibility of the official rankings, especially given that the breakaway LIV tour, with its 54-player fields, is not acknowledged by the Official World Golf Rankings. The question of whether LIV should be awarded points is a distinct debate, but the Hero tournament’s inclusion appears inconsistent. By securing second place in the Bahamas, Kim advanced six positions to 21st globally. Justin Thomas, who placed third, moved from 25th to 22nd. While these are beneficial advancements for the players, they were not achieved by overcoming competitors vying for their careers, unlike, for instance, in the International Series event held in Saudi Arabia. Joaquin Niemann triumphed over a complete field at the Asian Tour’s season finale last weekend, earning slightly over 21 world ranking points, which was more than nine points less than Scheffler received for defeating only 19 other players. Although the competitors in Saudi Arabia were of a lesser standard (despite Niemann having to defeat former Open champion Cameron Smith in a play-off), the Middle East event exhibited a competitive intensity that was considerably less evident at Woods’ tournament. Therefore, this element contributes to the ongoing decline in the credibility of the world rankings, adding to numerous issues requiring resolution within men’s golf, which has remained severely divided since the LIV Golf League’s inception in 2022. Greg Norman, its commissioner, has verified his impending departure from his role, a rare certainty amidst ongoing instability. Perhaps the exit of the outspoken Australian could pave the way for reconciliation, though this remains uncertain. However, in an era where certainties are scarce, one fact remains undeniable: when the sport’s top players next convene, Scheffler will continue to be the formidable opponent.