‘I Can’t Believe I’m Saying This’ – PGA Tour Pros On Scheffler Vs Schauffele Player Of The Year Debate

The 2024 PGA Tour season has seen extraordinary performances from two of its brightest stars, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Their seasons have been so remarkable that comparing them feels almost like an exercise in futility. Nonetheless, the debate rages on among golf professionals about which of the two achievements might be considered superior. Each golfer’s season has been exceptional in its own right, and the opinions of fellow PGA Tour pros offer a fascinating glimpse into how different accomplishments are valued in the world of professional golf.

 

Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of sensational. He has been the World No.1 for a significant part of the year, showcasing his dominance by securing a remarkable seven victories. This tally includes prestigious wins such as The Masters, The Players Championship, and an Olympic gold medal. Scheffler’s victory at The Masters was particularly noteworthy as it earned him the coveted Green Jacket, a symbol of excellence in the sport. His consistent performance across various tournaments, including elevated events, reflects a season of extraordinary breadth and depth. Scheffler’s year exemplifies a broad, high-level success that spans multiple prestigious platforms, and his accomplishments this year have certainly set him apart.

 

In contrast, Xander Schauffele’s 2024 season, while not as numerically overwhelming as Scheffler’s, is equally impressive in its own right. Schauffele has claimed two Major titles: the PGA Championship and The Open. Winning two Majors in a single season is a rare feat and places Schauffele’s year in an elite category of its own. Majors are often considered the pinnacle of success in golf, and Schauffele’s ability to secure two of them highlights a season marked by peak performance at the most crucial moments. Despite having fewer overall wins compared to Scheffler, Schauffele’s Major victories alone are significant achievements that resonate deeply within the golfing community.

 

The differing nature of these accomplishments prompts intriguing discussions among PGA Tour players about which season would be more desirable. Justin Thomas, for instance, finds the decision tough but leans towards Schauffele’s two Major wins. Thomas’s perspective is influenced by his personal career stage and the allure of Major victories. He reflects on how the prestige associated with winning Majors often outweighs other achievements, despite acknowledging the impressive nature of Scheffler’s season. Thomas articulates the sentiment that, in the grand scheme of things, two Majors might indeed feel more prestigious than multiple wins across different tournaments, making Schauffele’s achievements particularly appealing to him.

 

Rory McIlroy, who is himself in pursuit of a career Grand Slam, sides with Scheffler’s remarkable season. McIlroy’s choice is influenced by his admiration for Scheffler’s comprehensive success, including The Masters win, the Olympic gold, and the victory at The Players Championship. McIlroy praises Scheffler for his relentless drive and considers his achievements as a significant testament to his continued excellence. McIlroy’s perspective underscores the value he places on a diverse range of victories, particularly those that include the iconic Masters win, which he himself covets.

 

Viktor Hovland provides a reflective take on the matter, suggesting that the perception of such achievements might change over time. Hovland believes that in the future, the value of two Major victories might be more appreciated compared to a season filled with multiple wins across various tournaments. His viewpoint highlights how the passage of time can alter the perception of career achievements, making Schauffele’s Major wins potentially more esteemed in hindsight compared to Scheffler’s broad spectrum of successes.

 

Billy Horschel, while acknowledging the greatness of both seasons, expresses a more nuanced view. He would personally prefer either of the seasons but places significant value on The Players Championship, which he considers almost equivalent to a Major. Horschel’s perspective reflects a recognition of the unique prestige associated with The Players, adding another layer to the debate over what constitutes a superior season. His take is a reminder of the subjective nature of valuing golf achievements and the personal preferences that can influence such assessments.

 

Jason Day, with his own aspirations for additional Major titles, gravitates towards Schauffele’s two Major victories. Day’s inclination is shaped by his personal career goals and the profound significance of Major wins in a golfer’s legacy. His response highlights how personal ambitions and career milestones can influence one’s preference when evaluating the merits of another golfer’s season.

 

Ludvig Åberg, on the other hand, remains neutral and finds it challenging to choose between the two seasons. His difficulty in making a choice underscores the exceptional nature of both Scheffler’s and Schauffele’s achievements. Åberg’s stance reflects a broader admiration for both players and their incredible seasons, emphasizing the difficulty in comparing such outstanding accomplishments directly.

 

In summary, the debate between Scottie Scheffler’s expansive season and Xander Schauffele’s focused Major victories illustrates the varied values placed on different achievements in golf. Whether it’s the broad dominance demonstrated by Scheffler or the peak performance signified by Schauffele’s Majors, both seasons are exemplary in their own right. The opinions of PGA Tour professionals highlight the subjective nature of valuing success in golf, influenced by personal career goals, the significance of Major wins, and the diverse forms of achievement that define a standout season.