Scottie Scheffler cemented his status as the world’s best golfer by dominating the 2024 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. With a six-stroke victory over Tom Kim, Scheffler’s performance left tournament host Tiger Woods in awe of his precision and consistency. The victory, which came after a two-month break from competition, was Scheffler’s first win since September’s Presidents Cup and further solidified his position at world number one.
Scheffler’s Unstoppable Form Continues
Scheffler’s triumph at the Hero World Challenge, although it came in a small field, demonstrated his near-perfect game. The 28-year-old finished 25 under par, defending his title from the previous year. Woods, who has seen countless golfers in action, noted the impressive control and ball striking that Scheffler exhibits, especially his ability to make birdies without any mistakes.
“This guy doesn’t really do anything wrong,” said Woods. “His ball flight is very tight, and he’s not making any mistakes, no loose bogeys or doubles.”
A Year to Remember: Scheffler’s 2024 Dominance
Scheffler’s 2024 season has been extraordinary. With nine tournament wins, including the Masters and Players Championship, Scheffler tied with Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh for the most prolific season in terms of wins. His consistency on the course has placed him on a similar pedestal to Woods, with Scheffler becoming the first male golfer since Woods in 2009 to start and finish the year as world number one.
In 2024, Scheffler earned a career-high 727 world ranking points, surpassing others in the top rankings and further establishing himself as the best in the game.
Impressive Adjustments to Scheffler’s Game
One area of Scheffler’s game that has drastically improved is his putting. Known previously for struggling on the greens, Scheffler made a key adjustment this season by switching to a mallet-style putter and, more recently, adopting a ‘claw’ grip for shorter putts. Woods, who noticed the change, praised Scheffler’s ability to make such adjustments while maintaining his remarkable feel for the game.
“If he has consistency on the greens, he’ll finish in the top 10 every week and win a lot,” Woods added.
World Rankings and the Hero World Challenge’s Impact
While Scheffler’s victory was dominant, the Hero World Challenge’s small field of 20 players raised questions about its impact on the Official World Golf Rankings. Scheffler earned just over 30 world ranking points for his win, while others in the top 10, like Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, earned fewer points for competing in larger, more competitive fields.
Despite the controversy surrounding the rankings, Scheffler’s place at the top is undisputed, and his victory serves as yet another reminder that he is the golfer to beat.
The Future of Golf and LIV Golf’s Impact
The world of golf remains divided following the introduction of the LIV Golf League, with ongoing debates about the legitimacy of the rankings and the future of the sport. LIV’s commissioner, Greg Norman, recently announced he would step down, leading to hopes of a more unified future for the game. However, regardless of the ongoing turbulence, one certainty remains: Scottie Scheffler is currently the best golfer in the world and remains the man to beat heading into 2025.
External Link: BBC coverage of Scheffler’s performance
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