Golf icon Ernie Els has drawn attention by publicly comparing the current success of Scottie Scheffler on the PGA Tour to the dominant era of Tiger Woods. Scheffler’s recent 2025 PGA Championship win at Quail Hollow has intensified this discussion and sparked debate throughout the golfing world.
Scheffler’s Rare Company
To put Scheffler’s achievements into perspective, by the age of 29, only the following golfers have managed to secure at least 15 PGA Tour wins and three major championships:
- Jack Nicklaus
- Tiger Woods
- Scottie Scheffler
This small group also shares multiple Masters victories, multiple Players Championships, and at least one PGA Championship each—a distinction that places Scheffler among the most elite in the sport’s modern history.
Pressure and Psychological Impact
According to Els, Scheffler’s ability to thrive under immense pressure is what truly sets him apart. Els described how Woods once made competitors feel they had to play near-perfect golf just to keep up. Now, as Scheffler’s name frequently appears atop leaderboards, that same psychological effect is being observed. Other professionals, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, have confessed to feeling the need to “press” harder whenever facing Scheffler in the latter stages of tournaments.
Approach and Methodology
Tiger Woods himself has pointed out another similarity between his prime and Scheffler’s current form: their strategic approach to golf. According to Woods, both players excel by navigating 72 holes with steady precision rather than relying solely on spectacular, singular moments. This methodical consistency has become a defining trait in Scheffler’s rise and echoes Woods’ own approach during his reign.
A New Era in Golf?
While Scheffler’s run is generating widespread excitement, Woods’ legendary records and near-mythical dominance still cast a long shadow. Comparisons to Tiger Woods inevitably raise the bar to almost unattainable levels. However, Scheffler’s sustained excellence is prompting a serious conversation: could golf be witnessing the dawn of a new era?
- Will Scheffler’s dominance continue?
- Can anyone disrupt his rise?
- Is this just a moment, or the birth of another legendary era?
For now, the world of golf remains captivated as Scheffler’s run continues, with fans and players alike keeping a close watch on whether his current ascendancy will be a fleeting spark—or something more lasting, perhaps even historic. Source
