Scottie Scheffler: victory for the 'pre-eminent golfer of this era'
Masters victory is Scheffler's second in three years
Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer and heavy pre-tournament favourite, began this year's Masters knowing that his heavily pregnant wife, Meredith, could go into labour at any moment, said Rick Broadbent in The Times.
Had she done so, the American had "promised to walk off the course", no matter where he stood on the leaderboard. Some things, he said, mattered more than golf, the birth of his first child being one of them. In the event, though, there was nothing to distract Scheffler from doing what he does best: making his rivals look ordinary. He went into the final day leading by a single shot, and "for about two-thirds of an enthralling finale the outcome was in some doubt".
Yet Scheffler "fended off each assault on his lead" as it arose, and finished four shots clear on 11 under, having struck a nerveless 68. He "finished in exhibition mode", with three birdies on the final six holes. The victory means he has had two wins at Augusta National in the past three years: it is now beyond doubt that he's the "pre-eminent golfer of this era".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Comparisons with Tiger Woods
Such is Scheffler's current dominance of men's golf that "comparisons with Tiger Woods in his pomp" are in no way outlandish, said Ewan Murray in The Guardian. Although his Masters victories are, for now, his only two majors, he has racked up nine titles in total since February 2022, and last month became the first player ever successfully to defend the Players Championship in Florida.
Even when he doesn't win an event, he rarely finishes outside the top five – a measure of his almost "unparalleled consistency". Scheffler allies a formidable allround game to an almost preternatural ability to remain calm at the most critical moments – a calmness he has often attributed to his Christian faith. "One gets the impression the 27-year-old could be tickled from head to toe with a feather duster and stand completely motionless."
Ludvig Åberg 'the next best' in golf
This Masters was also notable for the "remarkable rookie performance" of the 24-year old Swede Ludvig Åberg, said Oliver Brown in The Daily Telegraph. Playing in his first-ever major, Åberg struck a brilliant 69 on the final day to finish second.
The "epitome of laconic Scandinavian cool, smiling through the setbacks and walking between holes with his hands in his pockets", he produced one of the tournament's most remarkable individual moments, with a 36-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole.
It's remarkable to think that just a year ago, Åberg was playing college golf, said David Walsh in The Times. From the 1st hole to the 18th at Augusta, he "just looked like he belonged". There's no doubting that Scheffler is the world's greatest player right now – but on this evidence, Åberg is "in the conversation about who is the next best".
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Major League Baseball is facing an epidemic of pitcher's injuries
Under the Radar Many insiders are blaming the pitch clock for the rise in injuries — but the league is not so sure
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
8 movie musicals that prove the screen can share the stage
The Week Recommends The singing and dancing, bigger than life itself
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide
The Week Recommends A present for every mom
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Major League Baseball is facing an epidemic of pitcher's injuries
Under the Radar Many insiders are blaming the pitch clock for the rise in injuries — but the league is not so sure
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Breakdancing to make its Olympics debut in Paris this summer
In The Spotlight B-Boys and B-Girls will battle for the gold for the first time in the games' history
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Should Olympic athletes get paid?
Today's Big Question For the first time in history, an international sporting body will pay some Olympians for their achievements in Paris this summer.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The cost-benefit analysis of hosting the Olympics
In Depth Hosting an Olympic Games may not be as economically beneficial as you would think
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Can MLB solve its uniform crisis?
Today's Big Question See-through pants and sweat stains draw derision from players and fans alike
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Inside MLB super agent Scott Boras' dreadful winter
In the Spotlight The man grew to great heights. Is a fall from agent grace imminent?
By David Faris Published
-
Is legalized betting hurting sports?
Today's Big Question A 'building avalanche of gambling scandals' threatens competition
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
How the NFL's new kickoff rules could change football
Under the Radar The play will resemble the kickoff structure seen in the much-smaller XFL
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published