Golf Prodigy Scottie Scheffler Honored as Season's Best Player
Golf Prodigy Scottie Scheffler Honored as Season's Best Player
Delving into Scottie Scheffler's performances this year was like embarking on an intensified bird-spotting adventure—his impressive 4.88 birdies per round had more hits than an Audubon Trail in high gear.
The Texas-born golfer boosted his trophy collection, claiming the Jack Nicklaus Award for PGA TOUR Player of the Year. This is the third year in a row that the world's top-ranked golfer, at 28, has received this honor, chosen by his fellow players. His sensational streak saw him leading the standings seven times, increasing his career tournament victories to 13.
The winning streak kicked off in March, where Scheffler seemed to be reviving his greatest shots. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the second time and successfully defended his title at the Players Championship. His success continued in Augusta with his second green jacket in three years, followed by a win at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, taking home the tartan blazer. Scheffler's winning streak continued at the Memorial and Travelers Championship, and he topped it off with a win at the Tour Championship.
Financially, Scheffler's on-course skills almost matched those of Juan Soto's yearly earnings, pocketing $29.2 million in prize money throughout the season, topped off with $25 million for winning the FedEx Cup. He also earned $8 million for leading the Comcast Business Tour Top 10 and an extra $1 million for his win at the recent Hero World Challenge, an unofficial event.
Scheffler received his award at a FedEx charity event at the PGA Tour Superstore in Plano, Texas, where he and his wife Meredith were volunteering. They treated participants of the non-profit organization Behind Every Door to a shopping spree for the holidays. The occasion was further sweetened by FedEx donating $50,000 to the charity in Scheffler's honor.
A limited-edition 'Scottie Schuffle' t-shirt was also launched, featuring a depiction of Scheffler's unique foot slide trail on the front and the cities he won events in during this year on the back. A portion of the proceeds went to Behind Every Door.
“It was great being here and seeing all the kids from Behind Every Door, as well as some of our friends. It was fun helping them with their holiday shopping,” Scheffler said during a press conference.
“The kids have been really generous with their gift cards,” he added.
When a golfer has an exceptional year, comparing them to Tiger Woods is inevitable. However, Scheffler easily dismisses such comparisons.
“I think those comparisons are a bit far-fetched. I saw them a lot growing up. You know, even when Jordan [Spieth] had his impressive year in 2015 and won several times, people were comparing him to Tiger Woods,” Scheffler said.
“There really is only one Tiger. I’m just focusing on improving myself and enjoying my golf. I’m not chasing records or histories. I’m just taking it one tournament at a time and having fun.”
The Texas-born golfer, Scottie Scheffler, was named the PGA TOUR Player of the Year for the third consecutive year, securing the Jack Nicklaus Award. This accolade is chosen by his fellow players on the PGA Tour. During his winning streak, Scheffler's unique foot slide, now famously known as the 'Scheffler Shuffle', made headlines on and off the golf course.