Encores in golf can be quite challenging, and this rings especially true for Scottie Scheffler.

To begin with, he won’t have the opportunity to claim another Olympic gold medal until the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. However, he could still achieve notable success by lifting the 17-inch gold Ryder Cup trophy or possibly winning another Masters or any major tournament.
Achieving seven victories on the PGA Tour is a demanding feat, especially since in the last quarter-century, only Tiger Woods has managed to win at least seven times in consecutive years, doing it twice during his career in the years 1999-2000 and 2006-07.
Nonetheless, Scheffler showcased remarkable consistency during the past year; after securing his first victory at Bay Hill, he maintained a winning streak where he never went over two tournaments without finishing on top.
The year 2024 proved to be unforgettable for Scheffler, highlighted not only by triumphs but also by significant life events, including the birth of his first child, an arrest in Louisville during the PGA Championship, and an injury sustained from broken glass while preparing a Christmas meal.
While he would prefer to avoid a repeat of those last two incidents, he did undergo minor surgery which caused him to miss the season-opening game at The Sentry, resulting in a postponed start for the new season.
What can fans and analysts expect from him moving forward?
“We can’t predict. This is something to assess in hindsight,” said Padraig Harrington. “Will he be able to maintain the level seen last year, akin to Tiger Woods, or will he encounter the same fluctuations experienced by others who have had brief successful runs? Only time will tell.”
Harrington speaks from his own history, recalling his standout year in 2008 when he clinched both the British Open and PGA Championship. After such a prolific year, he faced high expectations for the following season at the Masters, aiming to join the ranks of Woods and Ben Hogan as the only players to accomplish three consecutive major victories. However, Harrington fell short in 2009, marking the end of a continuous nine-year stretch of at least one victory.
This pattern can be seen in the careers of other renowned golfers. Jordan Spieth’s 2015 season was stellar, earning him both the Masters and the U.S. Open, while he made a serious bid for the calendar Grand Slam. Despite finishing that year with five wins and the FedEx Cup, his performance at the following Masters was disappointing as he surrendered a five-shot lead on the back nine. Spieth ended the year with two additional victories.
Rory McIlroy’s achievements in 2014 included back-to-back majors and a notable BMW PGA Championship win, but he faced a setback in 2015, matching his win tally yet reporting no major victories and dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the British Open.
Vijay Singh’s impressive year in 2004 included nine victories, while 2005 saw him secure four wins but fail to capture any majors, as he found himself overshadowed by Woods once more.
For decades, Singh and Woods were the only two players to boast at least seven PGA Tour titles in a season until Scheffler emerged. Scheffler’s performance drew comparisons to Woods, especially as he ranked first in an impressive 52 “noteworthy statistics” on the PGA Tour this year. While some data from Woods’ exceptional 2000 season might not be entirely comparable, Scheffler’s 84% top-10 finish rate aligns closely with Woods’ 85%.
Scheffler, however, downplays the comparisons to Woods, labeling them as “somewhat ridiculous.”
“There always seems to be a tendency to compare emerging talents to Tiger Woods,” Scheffler remarked. “I observed it a lot growing up. When Jordan had his great season in 2015, those comparisons soared. However, Tiger’s singular impact is undeniable. My focus lies solely on maximizing my performance without chasing records or history. I aim to improve consistently and enjoy the competitive experience.”
Having achieved significant success this past year, Scheffler’s star has risen considerably. Nick Price experienced a similarly remarkable year in 1994, securing seven worldwide wins, including the final two majors, establishing him firmly as the world’s top player. His 1995 season featured only one win at the Zimbabwe Open, which he attributed to the overwhelming demands on his time and his naturally accommodating personality when taking part in media events after victories.
When reflecting on Scheffler’s current trajectory, Price expressed admiration for how he is handling everything. “He is managing it all excellently,” Price stated. “I don’t think he’s overplaying; his workload seems manageable. There’s little to stop him. Beyond his impressive tee-to-green proficiency, his short game—including his chipping and bunker play—is outstanding.”
“He genuinely enjoys playing golf and it’s apparent,” he added. “He possesses an admirable composure that sets him apart from many others.”
In summary, while Scheffler’s encore season will unfold in due time, the pressure to keep performing at such high levels looms large, and only time will clarify how he manages the challenges ahead.