Scottie Scheffler's recent triumph at the PGA Championship has rekindled discussions about his pursuit of golf's coveted Grand Slam. Winning the championship not only showcased his extraordinary skills but also positioned him as a frontrunner for upcoming major titles.
Scheffler's stellar performance featured two remarkable stretches that were pivotal for his victory. On Saturday, he navigated the closing five holes with an impressive 5-under par, while on Sunday, he maintained that momentum with a stellar start on the back nine.
"I hit the important shots well this week, and that's why I'm walking away with the trophy," said Scottie Scheffler. "When I needed to, I feel like I hit the shots."
Currently holding two Masters titles and the Wanamaker Trophy, Scheffler has made significant progress toward achieving a career Grand Slam. He has remained at the pinnacle of golf, having been ranked No. 1 in the world for the past two years and impressively holding that position about 89% of the time since he first reached the top.
However, Scheffler emphasizes the difficulty of winning majors. "I've only won one," he noted regarding his titles at Augusta National. "That's the other side of the coin. It’s not easy to get on the cusp, but it’s a lot easier to get on the cusp than to actually pull it off. I’ve been playing some pretty good golf, and I’m not even close."
Despite showcasing stellar skills, Scheffler did not have his best outing over four days, particularly during the initial games. His longtime coach, Randy Smith, accompanied him on the range to help fine-tune his technique, which resulted in significant improvements throughout the tournament.
One of the key moments was a stunning 3-wood on the 304-yard 14th hole, leaving him with a mere three feet to the hole. This shot prompted a sequence of eagle-birdie-par-birdie-birdie finishes that helped him secure a three-shot lead. "That was my best shot of the day," he remarked about the 7-iron he hit, a crucial moment for Scheffler.
Holding onto the lead became the central challenge, especially with challengers like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm posing serious threats. After transitioning from a healthy five-shot lead to a tie with Rahm, Scheffler found himself in a precarious position. Thankfully, caddie Ted Scott’s advice to adjust his aim helped steer Scheffler back on track.
"Maybe you're aimed over there. Just try and hit a little further right," Scott suggested, a simple yet effective adjustment that showcased the teamwork between them.
With renewed focus, Scheffler executed his game plan flawlessly over the last nine holes. "I knew I needed nine really good holes," he admitted. His approach to each shot was methodical, exhibiting a commitment to consistency.
"I hit a good shot on 10, good approach shot, and I executed. From there, fairway on 11, really good iron shot. Fairway on 12, really good iron shot. Good iron shot on 13. Good tee ball on 14, good birdie there," Scheffler recounted.
He maintained that momentum for six consecutive holes, feeling confident in his performance: "From 10 to 15, I felt like I executed as good as I had almost all week. That was a very important time in the tournament."
Scheffler’s ability to remain unfazed under pressure allows him to wear down his competition, a hallmark characteristic of his game. Watching his competitors falter in exhilarating moments only solidified his position as a formidable player in every sense.
As Scheffler looks toward the U.S. Open and British Open, hopes are high that his recent victory is a stepping stone towards completing his Grand Slam journey. With momentum on his side and two majors under his belt, the upcoming months promise to be thrilling in the world of golf.