The debate of who had the better year in golf, Xander Schauffele or Scottie Scheffler, continues as the PGA Tour heads into the BMW Championship and the FedEx Cup. The decision comes down to whether one values majors or the quantity of wins more. While Schauffele has two majors, Scheffler has seven victories, including the Players Championship, a gold medal, and other elevated events. The debate is ongoing, with players like Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Viktor Hovland sharing their opinions.
Ultimately, majors are considered the most important currency in golf. Players like Davis Love III and Fred Couples overcame their low major total to secure spots in the Hall of Fame, while Colin Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup record played a significant role in his induction. Although Scheffler’s year has been remarkable, players like Day lean towards choosing majors to add to their career accomplishments, which will determine their legacy in the game.
The calculus to determine the Player of the Year remains complex, with players like Billy Horschel finding it difficult to choose between Scheffler and Schauffele. The Jack Nicklaus Award for Player of the Year, voted on by the players, will require members to make a decision between the two standout performers this season. Horschel, citing his lack of major titles, would be satisfied with either award, while others like Viktor Hovland see the value in prioritizing majors for long-term success in the sport.
As the competition heats up at the BMW Championship and the FedEx Cup, scenarios like Scheffler potentially clinching the No. 1 spot highlight the significance of each event in shaping the narrative of the season. However, the race for Player of the Year remains a subjective decision, with personal preferences and career goals influencing the choices of players like Justin Thomas, who believes that two majors hold more weight than multiple wins in a season.
While Scheffler is currently leading the conversation as Player of the Year, the final verdict will not be determined until after the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Scheffler’s impressive season, which includes the possibility of a fifth major in the Players Championship, has garnered attention from his peers and fans alike. As the debate rages on, it is clear that both Schauffele and Scheffler have had exceptional years on the PGA Tour, making the decision for Player of the Year a difficult one for many.
