With just over 30 days separating Scottie Scheffler’s Masters victory and the upcoming PGA Championship, the world’s No. 1 player is gearing up for the second leg of the Grand Slam at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky.
Despite the short timeframe, much has transpired in the golf world.
Scheffler, fresh off his second Masters win, claimed his fourth victory in five tournaments at the RBC Heritage, widening the gap between him and his competitors in the world rankings. He then disappeared to Dallas to await the birth of his first child.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry injected fun back into the game by winning the team event in New Orleans, with McIlroy’s celebratory rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey capturing the moment.
Halfway around the world, Brooks Koepka won in Singapore, making him the first player to win four LIV Golf titles.
Scheffler remains the overwhelming favorite for the PGA Championship, with McIlroy following closely behind. The last two PGA champions at Valhalla were No. 1 in the world – McIlroy in 2014 and Tiger Woods in 2000. However, this will be the first PGA Championship at Valhalla in May, with the club changing the fairway turf from bent to zoysia for faster play.
The only question for Scheffler is how he will fare after three weeks without competition after a life-changing moment at the Masters.
Scheffler said he prefers having the target on his back and finds it more manageable than answering questions about his weaknesses.
Golf greats like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, and Gary Player have high praise for Scheffler’s game, with Jim Nantz believing there are no limitations to what he can achieve. Woods compares Scheffler’s ball-striking to his own, stating that if Scheffler putts decently, he wins, and if he putts great, he blows away fields.
The last two weeks have raised possibilities of reliable challengers, with McIlroy’s newfound freedom and Koepka’s iron play improvements. Jordan Spieth, seeking to become the sixth player with the career Grand Slam, and Justin Thomas, playing in his hometown, also face unique pressures.
As the PGA Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Scheffler to see if he can continue his dominant streak and secure the second leg of the Grand Slam. With a talented field and a challenging course, the stage is set for an exciting tournament at Valhalla.