Scottie Scheffler is not the next Tiger Woods – The Open champion has a different way
You could be mistaken for believing none of this truly matters to Scottie Scheffler, the new Champion Golfer of the Year. After all, he caused a stir earlier this week when he conceded that golf is just not “a fulfilling life” to him. But as the American cruised to a fourth major, eclipsing the field at Royal Portrush by four strokes with a dominant total of -17, the man’s presence in the game became apparent. The satisfaction is in the manner of his dominance. A unique dominance.
A yearning from the sport to elevate him into the same conversation as Tiger Woods has long since begun. A 10th consecutive win after holding the outright 54-hole lead, a habit that followed Woods throughout his career over a staggering run of 37 events. But Scheffler, so often unflappable and steely-eyed, sprinkled in a few moments at Royal Portrush to suggest he is carving out a path of his own, especially with his personality.
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Jack Rathborn at Royal Portrush20 July 2025 19:38
Scottie Scheffler reacts to ‘silly’ Tiger Woods comparisons after dominant victory at The Open
The American triumphed at Royal Portrush, retaining a four-stroke advantage overnight to post a final round of 68 to finish ahead of Harris English in second, with a late charge from Rory McIlroy and others failing to materialise.
And after Scheffler clinched the Claret Jug, his fourth major championship and second of the year, in the same number of days since his first triumph at the 2022 Masters as Woods did between the 1997 Masters and 2000 Open Championship (1,197), many people in the game have placed the 29-year-old in the same bracket as the legendary 15-time major winner.
Jack Rathborn20 July 2025 21:00
Rory McIlroy gives honest reaction to dominant Scottie Scheffler victory at The Open
And after McIlroy failed to find a spark to mount a late charge on Sunday, finishing in a tie for seventh on -10, Scheffler held his nerve to cruise to a four-shot victory at -17, leaving the Northern Irishman in awe of his rival.
“Admiration,” McIlroy remarked when asked to respond to his Ryder Cup rival’s achievement. “I think all you can do is admire what he does and how he does it.
Jack Rathborn20 July 2025 20:38
Scheffler on his pre-tournament thoughts:
“I think we live in a day and age where clickbait is what people look for and you can shorten a five-minute clip into three words. I think it underestimates what I was trying to communicate.
“At the end of the day, I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for moments like these. I’ve worked my entire life to become good at this game. It’s one of the great joys of my life to be able to compete out here.
“To be able to win The Open at Portrush is a feeling that’s hard to describe.
“I grew up a kid in Texas that wanted to play professional golf. I don’t know why I’m so lucky that I get to live out those dreams. It’s something I’m very grateful for and I encourage people to listen to all of those comments.
“Having success in life, whether it’s work or golf, is not what fulfils the deepest desires of your heart. This is a cool feeling and I can’t wait to get home and celebrate with the people that have helped me along the way. It’s just tough to describe when you haven’t lived it. Just because you win a golf tournament doesn’t make you happy – there’s more to life than playing golf. But I’m pretty excited to celebrate this one.”
Mike Jones20 July 2025 20:04
“It’s a very special feeling. It takes a lot of work to get to this point in my career. This was a tough week – it was challenging. The course was playing really tough. I had to focus very hard over the course of the weekend.
“This one was different from the PGA (in May) because I had a decent lead to start the day. At the PGA, I felt like I struggled on the front nine and then was able to push forward and win it on the back nine.
“This one, I felt like I build up a lead. It got a little close there after the double on eight but as I bounced back at nine I was able to keep a pretty sizeable lead for most of the day.”
Mike Jones20 July 2025 20:01
More reaction from Scottie Scheffler who said: “I’m feeling tired, but feeling pretty good. This was a long week but it was a successful one and I did a good job this week of handling myself mentally and I’m fortunate to be here with the trophy.
“I just tried to keep my head down and execute shots, it’s a tough course. You’ve got to be focused and I did a good job of staying focused.
“It’s hard to put into words right now. I’ll be bringing this one back home with me to have a better look.”
Mike Jones20 July 2025 19:34
The only major Scottie Scheffler is missing is now the US Open.
He’s made eight appearances at the US Open and has finished in the top 10 four times, all of those coming in the past five years:
2025 – Tied for seventh 2024 – Tied for 41st 2023 – Third 2022 – Tied for second 2021 – Tied for seventh 2019 – Missed cut 2017 – Tied for 27th 2016 – Missed cut
Mike Jones20 July 2025 19:30
Scottie Scheffler wins The Open
(AP)
(Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Mike Jones20 July 2025 19:28
Scottie Scheffler is only the fourth player after Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods to win the Masters, the US PGA and The Open before he turns 30.
The 29-year-old is right in amongst some great players of the sport and he will only improve as time goes on.
Mike Jones20 July 2025 19:23
Scheffler wants to ‘get home and celebrate’
What’s next for Scottie Scheffler?
He’s heading home to the United States and he’ll celebrate this win with his wife and family.
“Thanks to my wife and son – I love you very much and can’t wait to get home and celebrate,” Scheffler added.
“To my parents and the rest of the team, I can’t thank you guys enough. I’ve got the best support team. Everyone does such a great job of working together.
“This place was in tremendous condition, the course played amazing – a shoutout to the grounds crew.
“Thanks to Royal Portrush and the town here, what an amazing week – I wish I could’ve seen more of the town but it was a business week.
“I look forward to seeing you all at Birkdale next year – all the best.”
Mike Jones20 July 2025 19:18