Scottie Scheffler enters Tiger Woods territory in the most Scottie way possible

The last Sunday of January holds a special significance in sports television, and this particular Sunday was particularly remarkable.

 

During this wintry weekend, as people cozy up indoors, the television captures everyone’s attention. With a major snowstorm impacting much of the U.S., sports executives anticipated even higher viewership.

 

In theory, these circumstances created an opportunity for a massive audience for Scottie Scheffler’s first victory of 2026 at the American Express in Palm Springs, where he achieved a commanding win that underscored his impressive trajectory. However, the timing of his success was overshadowed by the more widely watched NFC and AFC Championship Games, leading to a less celebrated victory.

 

Ultimately, Scheffler’s triumph illustrated the extent of his remarkable career in golf throughout the 2020s. By winning the American Express by four strokes, he became just the third golfer in the modern era to reach 20 victories before turning 30, joining the ranks of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. He also became the third-fastest player in professional golf history to achieve this milestone, with 151 tournaments played, trailing only Woods (95) and Nicklaus (127) but significantly ahead of Arnold Palmer (178), as noted by Justin Ray.

 

It seemed fitting that Scheffler’s historic victory occurred at a less glamorous event on the pro golfing calendar. Since entering the scene, the World No. 1 has intentionally minimized his rising fame, even opting to visit a Chipotle in a different town to avoid recognition. His remarkable four-shot win — his ninth victory by a margin of four or more since 2021 — was perfectly timed to draw minimal attention.

 

Additionally, Scheffler showcased a different aspect of his game on Sunday at PGA West, displaying an aggressive style of play rather than relying on mental resilience. He achieved an impressive nine birdies, making the tournament uncompetitive by the 13th hole; notably, only one of his birdies required a putt longer than five feet.

 

Those who witnessed Scheffler’s performance up close, like 18-year-old Blades Brown, could truly appreciate the extent of his skills. Brown remarked on the underrated quality of Scheffler’s short game, emphasizing his trajectory, spin, and control with wedges and short shots. He noted Scheffler’s excellent putting as well and expressed his intention to improve his own game.

 

Brown found Scheffler to be a supportive playing partner during the final round, offering him helpful advice, which contrasted starkly with the more solitary nature exhibited by past legends like Woods and Nicklaus.

 

However, there were notable similarities between Scheffler, Woods, and Nicklaus. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Scheffler possesses a magnetic presence on the course that strengthens during crucial moments, often leaving his fellow players struggling. At one point during the game, his two playing partners, Brown and Si Woo Kim, were the only competitors in the field at the American Express over par.

 

Yet if anyone expected Scheffler to acknowledge his own greatness like Woods often did to fuel his competitive aura, they were likely left wanting.

 

Following his victory at the American Express and reaching the significant milestone of 20 total wins, Scheffler remained humble. “I mean, it’s pretty wild,” he said. “It’s been a great start to my career, and I’ve had some nice wins. I try not to dwell on that too much. I’m just going to rest and continue working.”

 

In conclusion, it was yet another quiet and understated victory for the world’s best golfer — a seemingly common win that nonetheless shifted the course of golf history while going unnoticed by a distracted sports audience.

 

And, as it turns out, that’s precisely how Scottie Scheffler prefers it.