At the picturesque Riviera Country Club, Scottie Scheffler has been showcasing a remarkable journey in golf, one that began with a pivotal change in his putting strategy. Two years ago, Rory McIlroy suggested Scheffler switch to a mallet-style putter, and the results have been nothing short of transformative. With a TaylorMade Spider in hand, Scheffler's game reached new heights, leading to 14 victories, including a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Scheffler's consistency is a marvel. Since last year’s Players Championship, he hasn’t finished outside the top 10 in 18 consecutive events, a streak reminiscent of Tiger Woods’ legendary runs. Rory McIlroy himself acknowledges Scheffler's relentless pursuit of excellence, noting that his consistency sets a new standard on the tour.
Trevor Immelman, a CBS commentator, likens Scheffler's game to the unyielding ocean. Once criticized for his putting, Scheffler has turned it into a strength.
From ranking 151st in Strokes Gained: Putting two years ago, he climbed to 18th by the end of 2025. Combine that with his prowess as an iron player and driver, and you have a golfer who’s a formidable force on any course.
However, Scheffler's recent starts have been rocky. At the WM Phoenix Open and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he found himself trailing early.
At Riviera, he was tied for last with Keegan Bradley through 10 holes. Despite these setbacks, Scheffler’s ability to bounce back is well-documented.
Last week, he nearly clinched a victory after starting the final round eight strokes behind.
Max McGreevy, who knows Scheffler well from their early professional days in Dallas, witnessed his incredible comeback at Pebble Beach. Scheffler’s round included three eagles and a 9-under 63, finishing just two shots behind Collin Morikawa. McGreevy wasn’t surprised, having seen Scheffler’s resilience firsthand.
Scheffler’s determination is evident. Despite a few bogeys, he remained in contention with a final eagle at Pebble Beach. His mindset is clear: never give up, even when the odds seem stacked against him.
As Scheffler prepares to tackle the challenges at Riviera once more, he embraces the pursuit of perfection. Golf, for him, is an endless journey of improvement and innovation. While he may never feel like he has it all figured out, Scheffler’s relentless drive to refine his game is what makes him one of the most exciting players to watch.