Scottie Scheffler, a name well-known in the world of golf, is experiencing a slump that has left fans and critics alike anxious about his future. Scheffler, often labelled as “boring” or “too nice” due to his consistent and calculated style of play, saw his career peak in the 2024 season. His nine victories, including two major wins at the Masters and the Players Championship, an Olympic gold medal, the FedExCup trophy, and the PGA Tour Player of the Year Award, are an enviable testament to his talent.
However, the 2025 season has not been kind to the World No. 1. A persistent winless streak hangs heavy over Scheffler, evident in his recent display of frustration at the WM Phoenix Open. After finishing two under par for the third round, Scheffler vented his exasperation by knocking over his golf bag with his club – a rare glimpse of emotion from the usually composed player.
Despite this, fans are holding onto hope for Scheffler’s comeback. Damon Hack, host of Golf Today and Golf Central, recently discussed Scheffler’s career with Gary Williams on the 5 Clubs podcast. Williams highlighted that Scheffler has achieved something unique – consecutive wins at The PLAYERS Championship, a feat unmatched by any other golfer.
Hack drew parallels between Scheffler’s accomplishments and those of golf legends Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. By winning The Masters and The Players Championship in the 2024 season, Scheffler mirrored a record untouched since Tiger Woods’s 2001 win. Furthermore, with six wins before July, Scheffler was the first player to achieve this feat since Woods himself. Comparisons between Scheffler and Nicklaus emerged when Scheffler became only the second golfer, after Nicklaus, to win The PLAYERS Championship twice, registering consecutive victories in the process.
However, Hack maintains that Woods and Nicklaus still hold a unique place in golf due to their exceptional skills and impact on the game. While he acknowledges that a third win at this season’s The PLAYERS Championship would magnify Scheffler’s achievements, he also recognises the immense pressure on the golfer this year.
Andy Johnson, during an episode of Fried Egg Golf with Joseph LaMagna, expressed concern over Scheffler’s struggle with managing expectations. He pointed out that Scheffler’s winless start to 2025 might not bode well for the golfer as he heads into Augusta.
Scheffler’s performance at Augusta is particularly significant as he could potentially match another of Nicklaus’s accomplishments. With his first Masters win in 2022 and another in 2024, Scheffler is in the company of golfing greats like Nicklaus, Woods, and Nick Faldo. Should he secure another win, he will achieve a feat that remains untouched even by Woods and Faldo – winning the Masters Tournament three times in four attempts.
NBC analyst Johnson Wagner, shared a similar sentiment during his appearance on the 5 Clubs. He expressed hope that Scheffler’s two-week break would help him bounce back and regain his form.
While it remains to be seen what the future holds for Scheffler, especially in the wake of his hand injury from last year, fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting his return to top form. Here’s to hoping that the world number one golfer can overcome his current challenges and continue his pursuit of joining the ranks of Woods and Nicklaus in golf’s hall of fame.
