Scottie Schfeller is one such name in the golfing world that has won many hearts over the past few years. But it’s undeniable that last season saw some of his most spectacular performances. Scheffler’s 2024 season was so iconic that it sparked debates about whether it was similar to one of Tiger Woods’s best seasons. The world number one wrapped up his 2024 season with an astonishing seven PGA Tour wins.
Additionally, he won the highly anticipated LIV Golf Vs PGA Tour showdown alongside Rory McIlroy before embarking on his off-season. Unfortunately, it seems the #1 golfer is still stuck in his off-season, albeit unwillingly. The reason? A Christmas dinner party accident last year left Scottie Scheffler with a major palm injury, forcing him to miss some top PGA Tour opening events.
Experts shut Scottie Scheffler’s haters with their loud message
Interestingly, the 2X major winner’s influence is so much that the golf world is still talking about him amidst his awaited return. Take Gary Williams’ podcast, for instance. On January 8th, 5 Clubs released a new episode featuring Jim Nantz and Scott Van Pelt on Golf Channel. While Van Pelt discussed the format and audience expectations for Tiger Woods‘s Golf league TGL, Nantz shared his genuine admiration for Scottie Scheffler.
When Garry Williams spooned their talk towards “Scottie’s ride” and his future, Nantz looked more than interested in talking about his charisma and personality. “There’s gonna be a long glorious run for him,“ Nantz said. “I really believe it. He’s got the game. He’s got the focus, and he’s motivated by legacy.”
Now you may ask what the sportscaster meant by “legacy”. Well, he meant the legacy of being true to the sport, just like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy. According to Nantz, it’s something he deeply values, and he feels a special connection when he sees it in golfers like Scheffler. “When you see it in someone, it’s special to recognize,” he said. He emphasized, “It’s not about the money. It’s not about anything other than trophies and victories.” And that, he believes, is exactly what will sustain the world no. 1 for a long time.
To be honest, one can’t debate him on that. Scottie Scheffler has proven time and again that his sport is more important to him than dollars. During the iconic Ryder Cup payment debate, where Patrick Cantlay denied wearing his cap in protest against the historic culture of unpaid Ryder Cup matches. Scottie Scheffler said, “I think every one of our players would pay to play in the Ryder Cup if that’s what was asked of us.” Tiger Woods had a similar reaction, focusing more on the charity aspect of the tournament.
You see, it’s not just his wins that make him comparable to the 15-time major winner, but their similar mindset too! Interestingly, Williams touched on this topic, asking CBS’s Jim, “I can talk to you about Tiger for days and days about why he’s so captivating… what is it about Scottie… and why should people feel captive to what he’s doing?”
Jims had an exceptionally interesting answer to this, “I think people just eventually come over to the category of greatness.” According to him, the green jacket holder is indeed a fan favourite, but “there is another level still to be found because people are gonna just recognize what he has, and that is a skill level that could be generational.”
The sportscaster went on to say that he believes in World No. 1 so much because Scheffler is “motivated originally for love of the game, passion of the game.” Scottie Scheffler’s play is “about anything other than trying to be great.” “He’s the last guy that I see, among all, who was concerned and motivated by dollars and cents,” he added. But as experts and fans grow impatient about his future, the question remains – when will the fan favourite return?
When is Scottie coming back to play on course?
Scottie Scheffler was looking forward to making his comeback at the American Express event after dealing with an unexpected palm injury. Unfortunately, it appears that his recovery is still a bit tricky. His agent confirmed last week that the 13-time PGA Tour champion needs a little more time to heal from the injury he sustained over Christmas.
Scheffler also provided an update on his Instagram story, sharing his optimism about potentially returning to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which kicks off on January 30. “After consulting with my medical team, I have made the decision to withdraw from next week’s American Express tournament to give my injury more time to heal,” Scheffler stated. “I am still hopeful to begin my 2025 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.”
What are your views? Do you agree with the 5 Club experts? Let us know below!