Scottie Scheffler is the latest golfer to reveal the profound influence Tiger Woods has had on his career. During a recent interview, Scheffler shared how playing just one round alongside Woods significantly shifted his perspective on tournament golf. This encounter left a lasting mental impact on the young golfer, shaping how he approaches competition.
“Tiger inspired a whole generation of golfers. I mean, you’ve grown up watching that guy do what he did week in, week out. It was pretty amazing to see. I talk about a mental change I made because I played one round of golf with him in a tournament,”
Scheffler told reporters.
He elaborated on the experience, describing Woods’ intense focus from the very first hole.
“I’ve only played one tournament round of golf with Tiger Woods, and it completely changed the way I look at how I play tournaments. I mean, I can’t tell you the look on his face when we got to the first green. I look over and you’re, ‘Oh, we’re in 20th place, we’re kinda playing, yada yada yada.’ And I look over and this guy is just locked in. I was taken aback. I was like, ‘Holy smokes.’ And then we got to the second hole and he had this chip shot. And he looked at it like it was an up-and-down to win the tournament. And I’m like, this is incredible. I’ve never seen anything before like this in my life.”
—Scottie Scheffler, professional golfer
Scheffler’s Recent Success Draws Comparisons to Woods
Although Scheffler prefers not to be directly compared to Woods, his recent performance on the PGA Tour mirrors the level of dominance Woods once displayed. This year alone, Scheffler has secured five tournament victories, including major championships like the British Open and the PGA Championship. His consistency is evident in 10 top-five finishes and 15 top-10 finishes throughout the season.
In the FedEx standings, Scheffler has amassed 7,456 points, more than double the second-place player, reflecting his commanding lead. He also qualified for the Ryder Cup team with a substantial total of 37,180.33 points, well ahead of the next highest scorer, J.J. Spaun, who holds 14,851.91 points.
This extraordinary run has reignited conversations about whether Scheffler could one day reach Woods’ iconic status. While sustaining this high level of play remains crucial, Scheffler’s current form clearly establishes him as the premier golfer in the world today.
Ongoing Evolution in Golf Leadership and Tournament Formats
In the wider golf community, Tiger Woods continues to have an influence beyond the course, leading the PGA Tour committee focused on modernizing the game with the goal of implementing significant changes. Meanwhile, fellow players like Justin Thomas share stories of Woods’ playful side, highlighting his unique presence in the sport.
Meanwhile, Scheffler himself has expressed satisfaction with recent changes in the Tour Championship format, indicating that structural modifications also affect player experience and competitiveness.
Implications for the Future of Golf
Tiger Woods’ impact on players like Scottie Scheffler underscores the legacy Woods has built not only through his victories but also his approach to competition and focus. Scheffler’s transformation after a single round with Woods encapsulates why Woods remains a guiding figure in golf’s current and future generations. As Scheffler continues to dominate the tour, his development serves as a living testament to Woods’ enduring influence on the sport.