Scottie Scheffler concluded an exceptional year with a decisive win at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, marking his ninth victory in 21 starts.
Displaying remarkable consistency, Scottie Scheffler returned from a two-month hiatus to clinch the Hero World Challenge with a 9-under 63, tying the tournament record at Albany Golf Club and winning by a notable six-shot margin. Scheffler, who maintained his position as World No. 1 throughout the year, added this triumph to a year that included a second Masters title, an Olympic gold medal, and the FedEx Cup.
Starting the final round one stroke behind Justin Thomas, Scheffler swiftly took control on the par-5 third hole and maintained his lead with a 50-foot birdie putt on the fourth. Tom Kim posed a challenge but faltered on the par-5 11th with a missed par putt. Kim’s final birdie secured him second place with a score of 68, while Thomas ended third after a bogey on the 18th hole, scoring 71.
Scheffler finished with a 25-under 263, matching the tournament record set by Bubba Watson in 2015. His victory at the Hero World Challenge marked the largest winning margin since Tiger Woods’ tournament inception in the Bahamas, further underscoring his strong performance with only two bogeys over 72 holes.
The tournament saw Scheffler introduce a new ‘claw’ putting grip for attempts within 15 feet, which contributed to his third-place finish in key putting statistics against the elite 20-man field. This performance prompted Tiger Woods to comment on NBC about Scheffler’s minimal errors, reminiscent of Woods’ own peak years.
Despite Thomas’s initial strong start, his momentum was hindered by two duffed chips and errors on par 3s, allowing Scheffler to solidify his lead. In a rare misstep, Scheffler found a sandy area off the tee on the last three holes but recovered smoothly to maintain his advantage.
Future plans for Scheffler include a collaboration with Rory McIlroy in an exhibition match against LIV Golf figures Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka on December 17. His win at this unofficial event yielded a $1 million prize, consistent with his earnings, excluding the Olympics where the payout was significantly lower.
Scheffler’s achievement this year is significant, winning 43% of his tournaments, a feat only surpassed by Woods in 2006 and 2002. As a testament to his enduring drive for improvement, Tom Kim remarked on Scheffler’s relentless pursuit of enhancing his game even after multiple victories.
Scottie Scheffler’s victory at the Hero World Challenge reflects his dominance in the sport this year. His impressive record and continuous efforts to better his game have set a high standard in the golf world, showcasing his dedication and skill.
Source: Local10
