Golf has been longing for a dominant player for a decade, and now it has two within a month’s time. Scottie Scheffler, who won his first PGA Tour event at the Phoenix Open two years ago, has swiftly accumulated 10 tour titles, including two Masters victories. His dominance is reflected in his world ranking, where he holds double the average points of his nearest competitor, Rory McIlroy. This level of dominance hasn’t been seen since Tiger Woods doubled the world ranking lead over Phil Mickelson in the summer of 2008.
Nelly Korda, who went through 2023 without an LPGA Tour victory, has emerged as an unstoppable force in 2024. Despite a challenging year marked by injuries and setbacks, Korda has now claimed five straight victories, tying the LPGA record. She is on the cusp of doubling the points average of Lilia Vu, who won two majors last year.
Scheffler and Korda’s dominance didn’t happen overnight. Scheffler’s consistency from tee to green, coupled with improved putting, has made him a formidable opponent. Korda, known for her athleticism and pure swing, has overcome injuries and regained her momentum with a relentless focus and cool demeanor.
Both Scheffler and Korda are now taking brief breaks from competition. Scheffler is expecting the birth of his first child at the end of the month, while Korda is prioritizing her long-term health and will return in May for the Cognizant Founders Cup. Scheffler’s reign as world No. 1 for nearly a year is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency, a feat achieved by only a few players since Tiger Woods. His rapid ascent to the top, with nine victories in just 50 tournaments after his first win, highlights his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Scheffler and Korda are redefining dominance in golf, exhibiting the same traits that have characterized the sport’s greatest players. Their exceptional skills, combined with their unwavering focus and dedication, have propelled them to the pinnacle of the sport, setting new standards for performance and inspiring a new generation of golfers.
