Scottie Scheffler Is the PGA Favorite for a Reason

The betting favorite comes into the PGA Championship on a high, having rattled off four wins in five starts while generating some comparisons to Tiger Woods in terms of dominance. Taking a look at that five-event run for Scheffler, it’s hard to say those comps were insane. He won on a variety of conditions and setups, against very strong fields. It feels extremely likely that he’ll contend deep into the weekend at a course like Valhalla, which favors both power and elite ball-striking, two things Scottie isn’t short on.

The major Scheffler storyline centers on what has happened off the course, as he and his wife Meredith welcomed a new baby boy last week. Scheffler did not seem worried about his prep:

“Definitely rested going into this week for sure. I don’t really feel like any rust has accumulated. I was able to practice and play a lot at home. I’m able to do stuff at home to simulate tournament golf, especially on the greens, competing and gambling with my buddies, I don’t really want to lose to them, either, so I was able to simulate a little bit of competition at home.”

Given Scheffler’s simple, down-to-earth approach to the game of golf, it’s hard to see the recent birth of his son dramatically changing anything about his performance. Over the years, he’s repeatedly spoken about leaving golf at the course and having a life outside of the game, and he’s never been known as a tireless range rat.

"I was sitting there with a newborn in my arms and the green jacket in the closet. It was a pretty special time."

Scottie Scheffler discusses staying present in the moment. 👇 pic.twitter.com/22GhjXUUiu

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) May 14, 2024

If Scheffler were to win, it would set off a frenzy of speculation surrounding his prospects of winning the calendar-year Grand Slam. He sits at 4 to 1 odds for the PGA, a preposterously low number. If he wins, he’ll be halfway to the Slam, with the U.S. Open looming. Pinehurst No. 2 is also a course that puts a premium on Scheffler’s specialty: tee-to-green play. Scheffler’s year is already special. Winning as the favorite at Valhalla would make it historic already, with two majors still remaining.

Related Articles:

– The Stakes for Rory McIlroy Are Clear

– Three Valhalla Talking Points Ahead of the PGA Championship

– For Brooks Koepka, Every Major Is a Shot at History

– Previewing the Other Storylines We’re Watching at the PGA Championship

This piece originally appeared in the Fried Egg Golf newsletter. Subscribe for free and receive golf news and insight every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. For more coverage of the PGA Championship, visit our PGA hub here.