Scottie Scheffler comes into the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla in the midst of the greatest run of golf since Tiger Woods. No player has gained more shots on his competitors in the Strokes Gained era since Tiger, and Scheffler’s recent form is best appreciated with basic stats. Since the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he switched putters, Scheffler has been on fire with finishes like 1st and T-2 at subsequent events. This incredible run is even inspiring his peers, who can’t believe the level of golf he’s playing.
Scheffler’s success can be attributed to his strong driving skills. While not the longest or most accurate, he excels at keeping his driver in play, leading the tour in Strokes Gained off the tee. He hits 72% of his fairways and when he does miss, it’s not by much, leading to consistent results. His off-speed pitches and ability to find the fairway consistently contribute to his success, even in rough conditions. He demonstrates this skill on risk-free holes, where he can unleash his power without fear of trouble.
On approach shots, Scheffler is capable of incredible precision, with 50 shots inside 10 feet during his recent run. While these shots are impressive, they only account for a small percentage of his approach shots. His conservative approach into greens limits the size of his misses, leading to low overall proximity on shots. He excels at staying focused and sticking to his process, even when faced with challenging pin positions.
Scheffler’s strategy involves aiming away from the pin and towards the fat part of the green, leading to consistent results. He strategically adjusts his shots based on pin positions, often clubbing down and aiming for the middle of the green. This approach minimizes his chances of short-siding himself, especially on back pins. By following these strategies, Scheffler consistently puts himself in good positions for easy lag putts.
Despite the scrutiny on his putting, Scheffler excels in approach putt proximity and minimizes his three-putt bogeys. His strong ball-striking ability and overall game have drawn comparisons to Tiger Woods, with many recognizing Scheffler as one of the best players in the game today. With his consistent play and strategic approach, Scheffler has positioned himself as a top contender in the PGA Championship and future tournaments. As he continues to push the limits of what is possible in golf, Scheffler’s impressive run is a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
