Despite reaching the pinnacle of global golf rankings, questions lingered regarding Scheffler’s overall performance.
Statistics highlighted his prowess from tee to green, yet they also revealed significant struggles with his putting.
In late 2023, he sought the expertise of renowned English putting coach Phil Kenyon, whose roster boasts a wealth of major champions, to enhance his skills on the greens.
The focus was on improving his green-reading abilities and strengthening his grip’s stability.
Adopting a claw grip, where the right hand forms a pincer lower on the club, has remarkably turned Scheffler into one of the sport’s most dependable putters.
This adjustment played a crucial role in his groundbreaking 2024 season, where he became the first player to successfully defend the PGA Tour’s Players Championship, secured a second Masters title, Olympic gold, and five additional victories, echoing the achievements of golfing legend Woods.
Leading putting stats after three rounds at Portrush, he racked up an impressive 97% success rate on putts inside five feet and 90% from within ten feet, demonstrating his dominance. On Sunday, he sank putts measuring 14, 15, and 16 feet.
“[The new grip] was something we experimented with last year and it felt right from the start,” Scheffler explained.
“I typically use it for shorter putts. For longer ones, around 15 to 20 feet, I stick with a conventional style.
“We believed it could enhance my game, and thus far, it has.”
While his improved putting has propelled Scheffler to new heights reminiscent of Woods, whether this evolution will set him on a path to match his legendary predecessor’s long-term achievements remains to be seen in the upcoming years.