With Xander Schauffele’s recent win at the Open Championship, the debate for the PGA Tour’s 2024 Player of the Year has sparked interest. The competition is between World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Schauffele, who has won two major tournaments. Scheffler, with six total wins, including a major, the Players Championship, and four Signature Events, is pitted against Schauffele’s two major wins. As the Tour moves forward with just three more events left in the schedule before the end of the season, the Player of the Year resumes of both players are nearing completion.
The Jack Nicklaus PGA Tour Player of the Year award is determined by a vote of Scheffler and Schauffele’s peers, fellow PGA Tour professionals. Last year, Scheffler won the award for the second year in a row with just two wins, outshining Jon Rahm, who had four wins, including a Masters victory. Scheffler’s impressive statistical season, finishing in the top 12 for 18 events and earning over $21 million in official earnings, ultimately led to his recognition as Player of the Year.
Scheffler’s outstanding performance in 2024 has surpassed his remarkable achievements in 2023, winning six times, including another Masters title and top-10 finishes in three out of four majors. On the other hand, Schauffele’s exceptional record this year includes wins at the PGA Championship and the recent Open Championship at Royal Troon. With both players showcasing strong performances, the competition for Player of the Year is heating up.
Since 1990, no player has won two majors in a season and not been named Player of the Year. Several players, including Nick Price, Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka, won the award during the year they secured two major victories. Comparisons have been drawn to past seasons, such as 2008 when Harrington won both the Open and PGA Championship, competing against Woods, who had four wins, including the U.S. Open.
With the Player of the Year honors too close to call at this point, the upcoming FedEx Cup Playoffs present an opportunity for either Scheffler or Schauffele to solidify their case with a win or two. The season’s outcome will likely be determined by the performances in the remaining Tour events, showcasing the skills and capabilities of these two talented players. As the debate continues to unfold, golf enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the 2024 PGA Tour season to see who will be crowned as the Player of the Year.
