Scottie Scheffler’s victory at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow was another reminder of his growing dominance in professional golf. With a final-round 71, he secured his third career major and his first outside of the Masters, winning by five strokes. What stood out about this win wasn’t just the margin but the way he managed the course and his game, especially when things weren’t going perfectly. It raised new comparisons to legends of the game and reinforced the belief that Scheffler could be chasing history alongside names like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
One of the more interesting aspects of the week was that Scheffler didn’t seem to have his best stuff, particularly with his swing. Yet, like the winner of the year’s first major, he proved he doesn’t need to be perfect to win. He was steady, focused, and confident under pressure. His short game, especially his putting under stress, carried him through. Key putts on holes 10, 14, and 16 came at moments when the championship still hung in the balance. When leading, Scheffler simply doesn’t make mistakes, and that level of control is what sets him apart from the field. His ability to close—now having converted six straight 54-hole leads or co-leads—is exceptional.
Scheffler’s mental resilience also drew comparisons to Tiger Woods. While the two players differ in style, the mental toughness they display is similar. Woods famously made mid-round swing adjustments under pressure, and Scheffler did something similar at Quail Hollow after a slow start. He steadied himself and kept grinding, managing to produce solid golf and separate from the field. That capacity to adjust mid-round and keep belief in the outcome is rare and speaks volumes about his potential to continue stacking up major wins.
Unlike his previous Masters victories, which often felt like controlled, methodical performances, this win felt grittier. It wasn’t about dominance from tee to green, but about composure when things weren’t perfect. He still found ways to get the ball in the hole and avoid big mistakes. Playing the final three holes—arguably the toughest stretch on the course—with conservative yet smart decisions was a perfect example. A safe bunker shot on 16, a putter from off the green, avoiding a risky pin on 17, and steering clear of the water on 18—each choice showed his maturity and situational awareness.
What we learned about Scheffler this week is how well-rounded and complete his game has become. From mental strength to short-game sharpness, he has all the tools. More importantly, he has the ability to win when he’s not playing his best golf. That’s the mark of a champion. With three majors at just 28 years old and the kind of consistency few can match, the conversation about Scheffler entering the realm of all-time greats is starting to feel less speculative and more inevitable.
