Prime Tiger Woods vs. present-day Scottie Scheffler isn’t even close
Reflecting on Tiger Woods’ Dominance in 2000: A Lesson in Golf Greatness
In the year 2000, a 24-year-old Tiger Woods left an indelible mark on the PGA Tour that resonates even in today’s era of golf. With an unparalleled display of skill and dominance, Woods redefined what it meant to be a champion in the sport.
During that remarkable season, Woods captured the imagination of fans worldwide by securing nine victories, including three major championships, and clinching top-10 finishes in an astonishing 17 out of 20 starts. His on-course earnings of $10.7 million set a new benchmark in PGA history, showcasing not only his talent but also his ability to command the sport’s highest rewards.
Fast forward to 2024, and the magnitude of Woods’ achievements becomes even more apparent when viewed through the lens of today’s golf landscape. Jamie Kennedy of Golf Digest undertook a fascinating analysis, extrapolating what Woods’ 2000 season would have yielded in terms of earnings in the current era. The result is nothing short of astounding.
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ng to Kennedy’s calculations, Woods’ hypothetical 2000 season would have translated to an eye-watering $92,333,970 in 2024. To put this staggering figure into perspective, it dwarfs the record set by Scottie Scheffler, who amassed $21,014,032 in prize money during the previous year. Woods’ projected earnings would have surpassed Scheffler’s by a jaw-dropping margin of over $70 million, underscoring the unparalleled nature of his dominance.
However, beyond the sheer financial aspect, Woods’ 2000 season serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary level of performance he consistently delivered. His victories, characterized by commanding margins of victory, showcased a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport’s history.
Consider his triumph at the U.S. Open, where Woods prevailed by a remarkable 15-stroke margin, or his equally impressive eight-stroke victory at the Open Championship. Add to that his commanding wins at the WGC-NEC Invitational and the Memorial Tournament, and it becomes evident that Woods was in a league of his own during that unforgettable season.
Comparisons between Woods and contemporary players, such as Scottie Scheffler, inevitably arise, but they only serve to highlight the magnitude of Woods’ greatness. While Scheffler has undoubtedly established himself as one of the premier players in today’s game, his achievements pale in comparison to Woods’ historic 2000 campaign.
In his entire five-year career, Scheffler boasts nine wins, a commendable feat by any standard. However, he has yet to experience the kind of dominance that Woods exhibited on a consistent basis. Never has Scheffler won a tournament by more than five strokes, a testament to the rarity of Woods’ level of control over the competition.
As we reflect on Woods’ extraordinary 2000 season, it becomes apparent that his brand of dominance may indeed be a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. While the landscape of professional golf continues to evolve, with new stars emerging and records being shattered, the legacy of Tiger Woods’ incomparable greatness endures as a timeless benchmark of excellence.
