Scheffler secures his first FedEx Cup title, capping an extraordinary season that includes seven PGA Tour wins, Olympic gold, and a second masters victory.

Scottie Scheffler continued his remarkable 2024 campaign with a dominant performance at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, securing a £19m top prize. The world’s number one golfer began the final round with a five-shot lead over Collin Morikawa and maintained his advantage to finish 30 under par. His four-under 67 on Sunday ensured a comfortable victory, four strokes ahead of Morikawa, who shot 66 to finish 26 under. Sahith Theegala rounded out the top three at 24 under, following an impressive 64.

Scheffler’s victory is the culmination of a historic year in golf. In addition to his Tour Championship win, Scheffler claimed an Olympic gold medal, his second Masters title, and became the first player to win consecutive Players Championship titles since Tiger Woods in 2007. His seven PGA Tour victories this season also put him in exclusive company, matching Woods’ 2007 record.

The final round did not come without challenges. Scheffler’s five-shot lead was cut to two after consecutive bogeys on the seventh and eighth holes, while Morikawa’s birdies on the fourth, sixth, and eighth narrowed the gap. A wayward drive on the seventh left Scheffler in a tough spot, and a mis-hit bunker shot on the eighth compounded his troubles. However, with the help of his caddie, Ted Scott, Scheffler regained his composure and responded with a birdie on the ninth, followed by two more on the 10th and 11th holes. A 15-foot eagle putt on the 14th hole effectively sealed the victory.

Reflecting on his performance, Scheffler credited his caddie for helping him stay focused during the difficult stretch. “Ted did a great job of helping me reset. He gave me a nice pep talk on the back of the eighth green, and then I was able to hit a really nice iron shot in there on nine and got things rolling,” Scheffler said. “I don’t know if I’d be able to do any of this without him on my bag.”

This victory also brings Scheffler’s official earnings for the season to an astounding $54m, setting a new PGA Tour record for the third consecutive year. His dominance on the course was matched by significant off-course events, including the birth of his first child in May and an incident at the US PGA Championship where he was arrested for an alleged traffic offense. Despite these distractions, Scheffler’s focus remained unshaken, and all charges were eventually dropped.

Collin Morikawa, who collected $12.5m for finishing second, praised Scheffler’s mental toughness. “Nothing fazes him,” Morikawa said. “Whether I was gaining ground or he was gaining ground, it didn’t change how he walked or how he played. His mental game is a lot stronger than a lot of people know.”

Analysis

Political: Scheffler’s success in 2024 has broader implications for the governance and leadership of professional golf. As the PGA Tour faces competition from emerging golf entities, Scheffler’s dominance reinforces the Tour’s prestige and could impact decisions about its structure and strategy. His success could serve as a rallying point for the PGA Tour in its ongoing rivalry with new organizations like LIV Golf. The Tour might leverage Scheffler’s achievements to attract sponsorships, enhance player incentives, and expand its global reach. Additionally, his victories could influence policy discussions within the sport regarding player compensation, tournament structures, and the Tour’s approach to global expansion.

Social: Scheffler’s calm and focused demeanour throughout his challenges mirrors societal values of resilience and perseverance. His ability to overcome personal and professional obstacles resonates with a broad audience, inspiring both golf enthusiasts and the general public. The narrative of Scheffler’s year—marked by triumphs on the course and significant life events off it—underscores the importance of mental fortitude in achieving success. His journey highlights the role of strong support systems, as exemplified by his reliance on his caddie, Ted Scott, during critical moments. This aspect of his story could inspire discussions about the importance of teamwork and mental health in sports and beyond.

Racial: Scheffler’s achievements occur within a diverse field of competitors, including notable performances from players like Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala. The success of golfers from various racial backgrounds reflects the increasing diversity in professional golf, a sport historically dominated by white athletes. This trend could contribute to ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity within golf, encouraging greater participation from underrepresented communities. As golf becomes more diverse at the professional level, Scheffler’s success alongside players of different racial backgrounds may help challenge stereotypes and broaden the sport’s appeal to a wider audience.

Gender: While Scheffler’s victory is a significant achievement in men’s golf, it also raises questions about gender equality in the sport. The media coverage and financial rewards associated with his success highlight the disparities between men’s and women’s golf. Female golfers often receive less media attention and lower prize money, despite similar levels of talent and dedication. Scheffler’s story could be used to advocate for greater equity in the sport, promoting equal opportunities for women golfers in terms of sponsorship, media coverage, and tournament prize funds. As the conversation about gender equality in sports continues, Scheffler’s achievements might serve as a catalyst for discussions on how to bridge the gap between men’s and women’s golf.

Economical: Scheffler’s £19m victory is a testament to the economic power of professional golf. The substantial prize money reflects the sport’s growth and its ability to attract significant investment from sponsors and broadcasters. Scheffler’s record-breaking earnings for the season, totaling $54m, underscore the lucrative nature of the PGA Tour. This financial success highlights the sport’s appeal to global markets and its potential for further economic expansion. However, the concentration of wealth among top players like Scheffler also raises questions about income inequality within the sport. As the financial rewards for elite golfers continue to grow, there may be calls for a more equitable distribution of wealth within the golfing community, particularly to support emerging players and grassroots initiatives.