Three putts typically do not result in winning golf rounds, but luckily for the Number One-ranked player on the PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler, he could have four putted. Scheffler strode up to the big green on the 18th hole surrounded by bright pink flowers, tall green trees, and the roar of a crowd recognizing a champion.
Scheffler had hit the green in two shots and held a five-stroke lead over second place finisher, Rory McIlroy, who had surged up the leaderboard with a phenomenal day; but the day was Scheffler’s.
Even if he five putted, he still would have won. But hundreds of amateur golfers watching from home must have felt a little better knowing even the best golfers miss a tap in every now and then.
When the ball finally hit the bottom of the cup, a tremendous ovation exploded through the luscious landscape of Augusta National. 25-year-old Scottie Scheffler won his first Major Tournament, and fourth PGA event in 56 days, a rarity in the sport of golf.
Such a dominant streak inherently draws comparisons to the great Tiger Woods. Scheffler seems to have the game and poise to be worthy of such. He led for the last three days of the tournament, and never once relinquished his lead.
As for Tiger, the 1A story ultimately became 1B this past weekend. Fourteen months ago, Woods was in a horrific car accident that nearly resulted in the loss of his right leg. Unsure if he would ever play again, Woods decided to take on the ever-challenging Augusta green.
After day one, Woods was a miraculous one under par, and within striking distance of the lead. Day two, though, was where the damage came into play. Woods started to fall back in the field, dropping ever closer to the cut line.
He was able to hold on and survive into the weekend, and though he was seemingly out of contention, making the cut itself was a massive win for the 46-year-old. Woods finished 47th at 13 shots over par, a spectacular showing considering the state he was in.
Former major champion Rory McIlroy was able to make the finish of the tournament interesting down the stretch. Starting the final day one over par and seemingly not in contention, he would end up anything but down.
McIlroy grew hot on his way to shooting eight under par, putting him at seven under for the tournament – vaulting him up to second place. He ended his round with a chip in from a sand bunker that trickled all the way down the green and into the bottom of the cup for birdie.
An amazing cap to an amazing round, it seemed that McIlroy had a chance if Scheffler failed to seal the deal.
Scheffler secured his first green jacket (photo above), joining an exclusive club and gaining permanent invitations to play the Masters Tournament in Augusta. We next look to the PGA Championship where Scheffler will aim to capture a second major – continuing the road towards the coveted career grand slam.
Tiger Woods would not say if he would participate in that major, but did confirm he would be taking part in the Open Championship across the pond at St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland, the last major of the year.
