The pursuit of a career Grand Slam remains one of golf’s most coveted achievements, and Scottie Scheffler has reignited that debate following his recent British Open triumph. Building on a season that has captured widespread attention, Scheffler’s victory puts him squarely in the conversation as he approaches the U.S. Open next summer at Shinnecock, with his Grand Slam quest now in clear focus.
After Rory McIlroy ended a 25-year wait earlier this season by becoming the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in a playoff, the spotlight has intensified on those chasing a similar feat. Scheffler’s success at Royal Portrush has elevated his status among a select group of players who have captured three of the four modern major titles, positioning him to potentially join the exclusive club that includes legends like Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, and Tiger Woods.
Scottie Scheffler’s Place Among Golf’s Grand Slam Contenders
During his post-tournament press conference at Royal Portrush, the idea of the Grand Slam came naturally into the conversation. Scheffler acknowledged the historic significance of McIlroy’s accomplishment this year, emphasizing the rarity and prestige of winning all four major championships in one’s career.
“That’s one of those funny things that I think, since Rory accomplished that this year, it’s on the front of everybody’s mind, just because it is such a historic accomplishment in the game of golf,” Scheffler said. “What a tremendous thing for Rory to be able to accomplish. To win all four major championships is pretty dang special. It’s for sure a career achievement.” —Scottie Scheffler, Professional Golfer
Despite the mounting attention, Scheffler remains measured in his approach. He prefers to focus on continuous improvement rather than immediate tournament victories, reflecting a pragmatic mindset about his goals.
“Like I said, I don’t focus too much on that stuff. When this season ends after the Ryder Cup for me, I’ll get home, and I’ll assess kind of where my game’s at and things I can improve on and then kind of go from there. I don’t think about winning tournaments. I just look at the body of work I have and just think about ways to improve.” —Scottie Scheffler, Professional Golfer
Scheffler’s performance to date in major championships is exemplary: with four major wins and 15 top-10 finishes in just 23 major starts, he has missed only two cuts—the last at the 2022 PGA Championship. His consistency also extends to the U.S. Open, where he finished tied for second in 2022 behind Matt Fitzpatrick and third in 2023 trailing Wyndham Clark, helping build the foundation for his Grand Slam bid.
History of Major Champions One Title Away From Career Grand Slam
Reaching three different major championships places Scheffler in rare company. Throughout golf’s modern history, only twelve players have held this position at one point, each missing a single major title to complete the career slam. The evolution of these players’ careers reveals the challenge and prestige of such a pursuit.
Walter Hagen, who captured 11 majors including two U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships, never won the Masters, which did not exist during most of his prime. Similarly, Jim Barnes secured multiple PGA and Open titles but did not compete in the Masters, established late in his career.
Tommy Armour also missed the Masters, but managed wins at the U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship. Byron Nelson, a five-time major champion, was unable to capture the Open Championship despite his dominance elsewhere.
Closer to the modern era, Sam Snead won seven majors but never grasped the U.S. Open crown, often coming close with multiple runner-up finishes. Arnold Palmer, who inspired the concept of the Grand Slam, missed out on the PGA Championship but won the other three majors, defining an era with his charismatic play. Lee Trevino was unable to conquer the Masters, a venue where he at times declined invitations, despite his major victories elsewhere.
Tom Watson, with eight majors to his name, never secured the PGA Championship, finishing second multiple times. Raymond Floyd, who won four majors late in his career, lacked the Open Championship title. Phil Mickelson, despite his six majors and landmark 2021 PGA victory as the oldest winner, fell short only in the U.S. Open, where he holds a record six second-place finishes.
Jordan Spieth, a former prodigy with three major wins, is also missing a PGA Championship victory. His career includes memorable moments such as the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, but he has yet to contend seriously at the PGA Championship since.
Scottie Scheffler now joins this distinguished list with two Masters titles, one PGA Championship, and the Open Championship under his belt—leaving the U.S. Open as the sole major standing between him and the career Grand Slam.
Implications of LIV Golf’s Withdrawal from Fine Payments
Meanwhile, the evolving dynamics of professional golf’s competitive landscape continue to affect players and tours. LIV Golf has recently announced it will no longer cover fines levied by the DP World Tour against players who compete in both circuits, a decision with potentially significant consequences for those balancing affiliations.
Joaquin Niemann’s dominant performances on the LIV Golf circuit have earned him $20 million in prize money this season alone, alongside a possible $18 million bonus through season points. Other top players like Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Sergio Garcia also face disciplinary fines for participating in conflicting events, complicating tour eligibility and financial obligations.
Rahm has openly refused to pay fines, pursuing appeals to maintain eligibility for key tournaments, including the Ryder Cup. However, the DP World Tour continues enforcing its conflicting events policy, which has led to over $20 million in fines since 2022 according to reports.
This standoff may reflect strategic considerations from the Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf’s financial backer, which may seek to reduce operational costs amid efforts to streamline and boost revenue. The situation also tests the DP World Tour’s resolve amid the continued presence and popularity of LIV players in European events, with sponsors favoring their participation to enhance tournament fields.
Last year, LIV Golf proposed a deal offering a cash payment and improved scheduling coordination to the DP World Tour, but it was declined, partly due to the tour’s “strategic alliance” with the PGA Tour. This alliance restricts players competing in LIV events from participating in PGA Tour tournaments, complicating any potential integration between the entities. The PGA Tour’s investments in the DP World Tour further solidify this divide.
Despite the tensions, the current Ryder Cup remains unaffected by these disputes. However, the prospects of resolving this impasse fully before the 2027 Ryder Cup appear uncertain, with both sides yet to find common ground even after years of negotiation efforts.
Changes to FedEx Cup Bonus Structure Affect Leading Players
Amidst the off-course drama, players are also adapting to significant changes in the FedEx Cup bonus payouts. The PGA Tour has restructured its system to better reward consistent season-long performance rather than concentrating the majority of the bonus on the Tour Championship winner.
This week’s Wyndham Championship will highlight the new payout model, benefiting Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who both secure substantial financial bonuses despite skipping the event. Scheffler will receive $10 million and McIlroy $4 million for their top positions in regular-season FedEx points, supplementing additional bonuses from the Comcast Business pool.
The structure allows for a “double dip” of rewards for the top 10 FedEx Cup points leaders, a feature motivating players like U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley to compete at Wyndham as he seeks to preserve his earnings and position ahead of the playoffs. Bradley can earn an additional $500,000 FedEx bonus plus $2 million from the Comcast pool by staying in the top 10.
Overall, the total bonus pool remains at $100 million, but the winner’s portion at the Tour Championship has dropped from $25 million to $10 million. Incentives are now spread across the first two playoff events and the BMW Championship, with smaller bonuses extending through 30th place heading into the final competition in Atlanta.
This redistribution ensures a more equitable recognition of players’ achievements throughout the season. Scheffler’s chance of earning an overall $25 million package remains viable if he maintains his top ranking through the BMW Championship and secures victory at the Tour Championship, mirroring his success from last year.
Historical Context of Scottie Scheffler’s Rise and Future Prospects
Scottie Scheffler’s rapid ascent in professional golf combines a remarkable consistency with the capacity for high-stakes victories. His major championship track record, marked by 15 top-10 finishes in just over two dozen attempts, reflects both his talent and steady progression.
Joining the elite circle of major winners who have attained three out of four major titles places Scheffler at a pivotal juncture. His ability to claim the U.S. Open would place him alongside golf legends such as Rory McIlroy, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods—players who not only defined but advanced the sport.
With the U.S. Open set for 2024 at Shinnecock Hills, anticipation is mounting to see if Scheffler can take the next critical step in his Grand Slam ambition. His disciplined approach, combined with recent success, suggests he is well-positioned to contend.
This season’s developments, both on the course and in the broader golf landscape, underscore the sport’s evolving narrative, where tradition intersects with new challenges and opportunities. Scheffler, balanced in focus and rich in talent, is at the forefront as golf’s Grand Slam quest continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Scottie Scheffler upset about?
A. The PGA of America chose not to allow “preferred lies,” so players must play the ball where it lands. Scheffler was upset by this decision, claiming that mud on the ball adds a level of unpredictability.
Q. What did Rory McIlroy say about Scottie Scheffler?
A. Rory McIlroy said Scottie Scheffler’s success is bound to happen. Even when not at his best, Scheffler is steady and avoids errors.
Q. Did Scottie Scheffler cry when he won the Masters?
A. After winning the Green Jacket, he confessed, “I broke down in tears this morning because I felt so stressed. I was unsure about what to do.”
He added, “I sat there and told Meredith that I didn’t feel prepared for this moment.”