Despite Scottie Scheffler’s impressive winning streak, Tiger Woods‘ former coach Hank Haney expressed skepticism over anyone reaching the 15-time major champion’s level. Haney’s comments followed Scheffler’s commanding performance at the Open Championship, which revived discussions about the potential for a new golfing great to emerge.
On July 20, Scheffler finished the Open Championship with a three-under 68 in the final round, securing his fourth major title. Following this victory, former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley suggested Scheffler could eventually surpass Woods, sparking widespread debate among golf fans and analysts. However, Scheffler himself remained grounded about such comparisons.
Experts Weigh In on Scheffler’s Potential Compared to Woods
Paul McGinley voiced strong admiration for Scheffler’s skills, claiming the young golfer might challenge Woods’ dominance in the sport. McGinley said,
“I have not seen a competitor anywhere close to Tiger Woods as good as this guy. That’s how high the bar is. And I think as time goes on, he might even prove to be a better one.”
He also emphasized Scheffler’s consistency and personal stability as factors that could contribute to longevity at the top level:
“He might even prove to have more longevity than Tiger Woods at the top. Because, at this moment in time, it’s hard to see him getting derailed because he’s so stable off the course as much as he’s stable on the golf course.”
In contrast, Hank Haney offered a more cautious view on Scheffler’s place in golf history, stating simply,
“No one has ever played the game better than Tiger.”
Scheffler Himself Acknowledges the Difficulty of Matching Woods’ Achievements
During the winner’s press conference, Scheffler downplayed the idea that he could already be compared to Woods.
“I still think they’re a bit silly,”
he admitted.
“Tiger won, what, 15 majors? This is my fourth. I just got one-fourth of the way there. I think Tiger stands alone in the game of golf. He was inspirational for me growing up.”
He continued,
“He was a very, very talented guy, and he was a special person to be able to be as good as he was at the game of golf,”
showing respect for Woods’ unique impact on the sport.
Comparing Their Careers at Age 29
Scottie Scheffler is currently 29 years and nearly one month old, having collected 17 PGA Tour titles, including his recent Open Championship victory, his fourth major. By this same age, Tiger Woods had already built an extraordinary record. As of January 30, 2005, Woods had won 41 PGA Tour titles and secured eight major championships, highlighting the high benchmark Scheffler aims to reach.
Whether Scheffler can close this gap and challenge Tiger Woods’ legacy remains a focal point for golf observers worldwide. The progress he makes in the upcoming years will determine if the sport will witness a new era or if Woods’ achievements will continue to stand alone.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What illness did Tiger Woods have?
A. She was in a relationship with American businessman Chris Cline from 2013 until 2017. In June 2019, news came out that Nordegren was having her first baby with ex-NFL player Jordan Cameron.
Q. What addiction did Tiger Woods have?
A. Following widely reported scandals in 2009, he attended the Gentle Path center in Mississippi for six weeks to address sex addiction. In 2010, he also sought help at The Meadows treatment center in Wickenburg, Arizona, where he worked on overcoming addiction to the medications Vicodin and Ambien.
Q. What type of surgery did Tiger Woods have?
A. In September, Woods had surgery to relieve nerve pressure in his lower back. This was likely his sixth back surgery in 10 years. Woods has also faced severe Achilles injuries before.
Q. What kind of surgery did Tiger Woods have?
A. This time, Tiger underwent a lumbar fusion operation, which differed from his previous surgeries. Earlier, he had three lumbar discectomies performed from the back. The most recent procedure is known as an anterior lumbar interbody fusion.