Scottie Scheffler (2025) vs. Tiger Woods (2000)
Scheffler (2025):
– World No. 1, holding top spot for 18+ months
– 2 Majors (Masters 2022, Players 2023)
– PGA Tour Player of the Year twice
– Best strokes gained tee-to-green since 2004
Tiger (2000):
– World No. 1, 9 worldwide wins in a single year
– 3 Majors in 2000 alone (U.S. Open, Open Championship, PGA)
– Completed the “Tiger Slam” in 2001
– Longest consecutive No. 1 reign in history
Contrast: Scheffler is consistent dominance; Tiger’s 2000 was unmatched in intimidation and results.
Rory McIlroy (2025) vs. Jack Nicklaus (1975)
Rory (2025):
– 4 Majors (last: 2014 PGA)
– 20+ PGA Tour wins
– Elite driving distance and accuracy combo
– Ryder Cup stalwart
Jack (1975):
– 13 Majors at that point (finished with 18)
– 50+ PGA Tour wins by mid-70s
– Known for closing ability
– Defined major championship consistency
Contrast: Rory echoes Jack’s presence, but Jack accelerated his major tally while Rory has stalled at 4.
Jon Rahm (2025) vs. Seve Ballesteros (1980s prime)
Rahm (2025):
– Masters 2023, U.S. Open 2021
– Top 5 in world rankings consistently
– Power + precision, fiery competitor
– Emotional Ryder Cup leader
Seve (1980s):
– 5 Majors (3 Opens, 2 Masters)
– Creative short-game genius
– Sparked European golf’s rise
– Ryder Cup icon
Contrast: Rahm dominates with strength; Seve inspired with flair and artistry.
Viktor Hovland (2025) vs. Nick Faldo (1990s prime)
Hovland (2025):
– FedEx Cup Champion 2023
– Breakthrough PGA wins in 2023
– Ball-striking excellence
– Calm, analytical approach
Faldo (1990s):
– 6 Majors (3 Masters, 3 Open Championships)
– Known for discipline and patience
– Europe’s Ryder Cup leader
– Cold, clinical closer
Contrast: Hovland channels Faldo’s precision but still seeks his first major breakthrough.
Collin Morikawa (2025) vs. Ben Hogan (1950s prime)
Morikawa (2025):
– 2 Majors (2020 PGA, 2021 Open)
– Known for iron accuracy
– 6 PGA Tour wins
– Calm and consistent under pressure
Hogan (1950s):
– 9 Majors, including 3 in 1953
– Legendary iron play
– Overcame near-fatal accident
– Icon of grit and perfection
Contrast: Hogan was defined by resilience; Morikawa thrives on modern technical mastery.
Outside Looking In
Today: Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth
Legends: Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson
Tiger’s 2000 remains the benchmark. Scheffler, Rory, Rahm, Hovland, and Morikawa carry the torch in their own styles, each reflecting traits of the greats who came before them.
