Scottie Scheffler entered the 2024 Tour Championship with a deep sense of determination, having faced disappointment in the same event over the past two years. In both 2022 and 2023, he arrived as the leader in FedEx Cup points, only to lose the title first to Rory McIlroy and then to Viktor Hovland. Determined to avoid a repeat of those letdowns, Scheffler successfully claimed the FedEx Cup this year.
In his post-victory reflection, Scheffler expressed his relief and satisfaction. “I’ve been leading the FedEx points list for a long time,” he said. “So to come in here with a lead and finish it off the right way feels great.” He acknowledged that having a lead should ideally position him to win but admitted that he might have put too much pressure on himself in previous years.
Despite the sense of accomplishment, Scheffler’s final round was not without its difficulties. He shanked a bunker shot on the 8th hole, which was a rare misstep for him. His caddie, Ted Scott, provided crucial advice and support, urging Scheffler to stay focused and reminding him of their strong position in the tournament.
Scheffler’s comments highlighted his ongoing challenges with bunker shots, noting that he often struggles with these situations, particularly from side slopes. However, he was quick to point out that this hiccup did not significantly impact the rest of his game during the tournament.
The season as a whole has been marked by Scheffler’s exceptional performance. Analysts have noted his improved putting as a key to his success, but his statistics reveal excellence across various aspects of his game. He led the PGA Tour in scoring, putts per round, and greens in regulation, with an impressive scoring average of 68.01.
At the Tour Championship specifically, Scheffler’s strong showing extended beyond putting. He ranked highly in driving distance, strokes gained off the tee, and greens in regulation, reflecting a well-rounded game that contributed to his victory.
Starting the Tour Championship with a 10-under par due to his FedEx Cup lead, Scheffler was two strokes ahead of Xander Schauffele. The other players began the tournament with scores ranging from 7-under par to even par. Scheffler noted that starting with such a lead presented unique mental challenges, making the tournament feel longer and more complex.
Ultimately, Scheffler’s combined score of 30-under par, including his 10-shot bonus, earned him a decisive victory by four strokes over Collin Morikawa. The PGA Tour’s scoring system, which assigns starting strokes based on FedEx Cup standings, remains a topic of debate but offers a more straightforward way to track scores compared to previous systems.
While some critics question the fairness of the system, it has simplified the process for both players and fans, making it easier to understand the leaderboard. For Scheffler, the victory represents a significant achievement and a satisfying culmination of his efforts over the season.
Scheffler’s performance this year, highlighted by his Tour Championship win, underscores his resilience and skill. Having faced setbacks in the past, he has demonstrated his ability to overcome challenges and succeed at the highest level of golf.