AUGUSTA, GA. The 2025 golf season meant a far different beginning for golf’s top-ranked player. Scottie Scheffler cut his hand during Christmas and required surgery to remove glass shards.
Scheffler is now measured by the sensational season he had in 2024. In that year he won seven times on the PGA Tour — plus two other key events with one of them including the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Texan had his best finish this year in placing as runner-up in the Houston PGA Tour event.
A win this week at Augusta would mark his third green jacket in four years – equaling the record Jack Nicklaus accomplished in the span of 1963-1966.
Scheffler’s opening round was a clear statement in demonstrating what has placed him at the top of the men’s golf rankings for nearly 100 consecutive weeks.
The opening round for the 28-year-old was a clinic in keeping momentum going and doing so without the dropping of a single golf shot. Matters were helped considerably by Scheffler sinking a 60-foot birdie putt at the always demanding long par-3 4th. The score of 2 on that hole marked the completion of Scheffler having birdied every hole at Augusta National in the 20 rounds he’s played.
Scheffler’s edge comes from just not allowing mistakes to pile up. Other players are fully aware the only way to surpass him is to play near perfect golf and even then it may not be possible to do so.
In a number of ways, the Scheffler approach is akin to what Tiger Woods was like when playing Augusta National. Woods was firmly in command and the competition realized that if Tiger secured the lead he would not be toppled unless the player(s) chasing him played a new flawless round. Few ever did.
Scheffler’s approach is resolved in not committing to any golf shot until totally dialed in with caddie Ted Scott. The pair have formed a powerful duo. Scott is one of the best in the caddie ranks and knows well enough when to speak and not speak.
Getting off to a good start is no guarantee of success but it does help get the competitive instincts sharper for the remaining rounds.
While there was much pre-tournament talk of rival Rory McIlroy coming into Augusta the reality is quite simple – a Scheffler win only solidifies his position as golf’s top dog.
Major championships define careers and one’s legacy. Golf’s 800-pound gorilla is intent on remaining king of the golf jungle.
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