Scottie Scheffler’s dominant victory at The Open Championship in Northern Ireland has brought him within striking distance of one of golf’s most revered achievements: the career grand slam. Winning this year’s Open means Scheffler, a former Texas Longhorn, has now captured three of the four major championships required to join an exclusive group of golfers who have completed the grand slam.
The career grand slam entails winning The Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship at least once in a career, an accomplishment achieved by only six male golfers, with Rory McIlroy becoming the latest member after his win at Augusta National Golf Club in April.
Major Titles Each Top Contender Still Seeks
Scheffler and fellow Texas Longhorn Jordan Spieth stand among the few active players who have claimed victories in three of the four majors. While both are close, their missing titles differ: Scheffler is yet to secure the U.S. Open, where he finished tied for second in 2022, and Spieth is still chasing the PGA Championship, a tournament where he was runner-up in his exceptional 2015 season.
At Royal Portrush Golf Club this past weekend, Scheffler earned his fourth major title and second in the 2025 season. He took home both the Wanamaker Trophy and Claret Jug, adding to his Masters wins in 2022 and 2024. This sequence puts a Longhorn firmly positioned to become the seventh golfer in history to achieve the career grand slam.
Among the pair, Scheffler currently holds the edge due to his recent form. Entering his 113th consecutive week as the world No. 1, he boasts 17 PGA Tour wins and was consistently among the top ten finishers in every major this year, clinching two of those events.
Attention will turn to the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York, where Scheffler’s pursuit of the elusive final major will dominate pre-tournament conversations and betting odds alike.
Potential Ryder Cup Reunion for Texas Alumni
Scheffler and Spieth may have the chance to team up once more at the Ryder Cup this September. Scheffler has already secured his spot on the American team, while Spieth’s inclusion remains uncertain. During his post-Open press conference, Spieth reflected candidly on his hopes and the challenges he faces.
“I think if I can make it to the Tour Championship, that means that I’ve played well in the playoffs, in big events,”
Spieth said.
“It may come down to if (captain) Keegan [Bradley] picks himself or not and opens up a spot. It may come down to how other guys are playing that are on the bubble.”
—Jordan Spieth, Professional Golfer
With five Ryder Cup appearances already to his name, Spieth remains optimistic about making the 2025 team, although he understands that selection will depend on current form.
“They’re going to pick the best 12 (American) guys,”
Spieth noted.
“Do I think I’m that right this second? No. But do I think I can be that by three weeks time? Yeah.”
—Jordan Spieth, Professional Golfer
Currently ranked 26th in Ryder Cup points, Spieth’s upcoming performances on the PGA Tour will be critical as he strives to join Scheffler on the American squad at Bethpage Black later this year.
The Rising Significance of Scheffler’s Quest
Scheffler’s recent victory and sustained excellence have intensified the spotlight on his chase for golf’s most extraordinary career milestone. With only six male golfers ever securing the grand slam, his progress adds to the sport’s evolving narrative of dominance and legacy. Should Scheffler triumph at the 2026 U.S. Open, he will not only reach a rare achievement but also bolster the prestige of the Texas Longhorn legacy in professional golf.
Similarly, Spieth’s drive to regain top form and join Scheffler on the Ryder Cup team underscores the ongoing competitiveness of American golf’s elite players. Their combined success keeps Texas Longhorns highly visible on the sport’s biggest stages, promising an exciting few seasons ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Scottie Scheffler upset about?
A. The PGA of America chose not to permit “preferred lies,” meaning players must play the ball where it lands. Scheffler felt upset about this decision. He believed that mud on the ball makes the game more unpredictable.
Q. What did Justin Thomas say about Scottie Scheffler?
A. Everyone experiences tough days that can be overwhelming. I no longer let these moments frustrate me, because we’ve all been through similar situations before.