Scottie Scheffler Triumphs at Memorial for Fifth PGA Tour Title of the Year

By Mr. /

Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate the PGA Tour, clinching his fifth title of the year at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. Despite an uncharacteristically high final round of 2-over 74, Scheffler’s resilience and skill ensured his one-shot victory over Collin Morikawa, earning him a celebratory handshake from tournament host Jack Nicklaus.

“You’re a survivor,” Nicklaus praised him, acknowledging the grueling conditions at Muirfield Village that made the course exceptionally challenging with its firm greens and unpredictable winds. Only six players broke par, and the average score hovered just below 75.

Scheffler’s path to victory was far from straightforward. With only one birdie in the final round, he felt the pressure from Morikawa and Adam Hadwin, who were close on his heels. A crucial putt on the 18th green secured his win, echoing a moment from 2021 when Nicklaus predicted Scheffler would one day make a decisive putt on the same hole.

“This is a tough place to close out,” Scheffler admitted. “I didn’t do a whole lot great today, but I did enough.”

Morikawa’s impressive 30-foot birdie putt on the par-3 12th hole kept him in contention, but Scheffler’s steady play and crucial putts on the back nine, especially the 16th, maintained his lead. Hadwin, despite being a strong contender, faltered with three consecutive bogeys to finish third.

Scheffler’s victory not only added another title to his name but also boosted his season earnings to over $24 million, breaking the PGA Tour season earnings record set last year. Remarkably, he is the first player since Tom Watson in 1980 to win five times on the PGA Tour before the U.S. Open.

Reflecting on his journey, Scheffler shared a touching moment with his month-old son Bennett at his first PGA Tour event, making the win even more special. He also recalled the 2021 Memorial Tournament when he missed a crucial putt, and Nicklaus consoled him with the prediction that Scheffler would one day make the winning putt on 18.

“It was pretty special thinking about that as I was walking over to shake his hand,” Scheffler said, reminiscing about Nicklaus’ words of encouragement.

Morikawa, who finished with a score of 71, was the only player among the final 13 groups to break par, securing second place and solidifying his spot for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. Hadwin’s performance moved him ahead of Corey Conners for the second Canadian Olympic spot.

Scheffler’s solitary birdie on the sixth hole and missed opportunities on the back nine could have provided a more comfortable cushion, but his clutch putts, especially on the 16th, proved decisive. Morikawa’s missed par putt and Scheffler’s successful one gave him a crucial two-shot lead, which he managed to maintain despite a final bogey on the 17th.

Next up is the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, where Scheffler will enter as the overwhelming favorite. This victory marks his 11th consecutive top-10 finish, underscoring his consistency and dominance.

Scheffler’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Last year, his putting struggles were a glaring issue, leading him to seek help from putting coach Phil Kenyon and eventually switch to a mallet putter. These changes, coupled with his mental toughness, have transformed his game, making him a formidable force on the greens.

This season, Scheffler’s achievements include wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, THE PLAYERS Championship, the Masters, the RBC Heritage, and now the Memorial Tournament. These victories would define a career for many, but Scheffler has accomplished them all in one season.

Dealing with personal and professional challenges, including the birth of his first child and external pressures, Scheffler’s focus and determination have remained unshaken. His caddie, Ted Scott, highlighted Scheffler’s ability to stay grounded and perform under pressure, even amid emotional turmoil.

Scheffler’s final round at the Memorial was a testament to his growth and resilience. Despite several near-misses, his pivotal putt on the 16th and a confident finish on the 18th secured his win. Nicklaus himself acknowledged Scheffler’s champion-like demeanor, solidifying Scheffler’s place among golf’s elite.

As Scheffler heads into the U.S. Open, his recent triumphs and unwavering consistency make him the player to watch. His journey from overcoming putting woes to achieving multiple victories in a season showcases his evolution into a true golfing champion.

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