Scottie Scheffler secured the third major title of his career last week after winning the PGA Championship, resulting in the world No. 1 being compared to Tiger Woods
Thanks to his dominance, Scheffler’s name began to be placed alongside the 15-time major champion Woods. The latest to make a comparison is former world No. 1 Els, who is looking for more major success this week at the Senior PGA Championship, where LIV Golf star Richard Bland will defend his crown.
“I see the similarities now with Scheffler [and Woods],” Els said at Congressional. “Seems like he plays his best golf under the most extreme pressure, and that’s a hallmark of a champion. There’s more confidence that he’s getting by winning these tournaments.
“It’s only going to get tougher for the group following to try and get into that kind of mindset that he’s in. I think Tiger brought that intensity. You had your work cut out for you. I won four majors in his era, and there were a lot of other guys who won majors in that era.
“We never got to the six, seven, eight. Mickelson did eventually; he got to six majors. But he had a hold on us. You knew you were in for a tough tournament when he was around, and I think that’s happening now with Scheffler.” Scheffler’s achievements are all the more impressive amid the current crop of players.
The FedEx Cup champion has pulled away from the likes of Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at the top of the rankings, especially after his incredible 2024 season. One of his key highlights came when winning The Players Championship for a second-straight year at TPC Sawgrass last March.
Having won the PGA Tour’s flagship event, Scheffler’s name was once again put up with Woods’. As humble as ever, though, Scheffler played the comparisons down. “Anytime you can be compared to Tiger, I think it’s really special, but I mean, the guy stands alone, I think, in our game. He really does”, he said.
“This is my eighth tournament win now out here, and I’ve tied him in Players Championships. Outside of that, I got 14 more majors and 70-some PGA Tour events to catch up. I think I’m going to stick to my routine and just continue to plot along, try and stay as even-keeled as I can.
“We all idolise Tiger. He’s been our guy. Watching what he did in special moments over the years is crazy to watch. I’ve learned a lot just from being around him. We’re just very thankful that he’s still a part of our sport.”