Scottie Scheffler Recalls Being "Shocked" by Tiger Woods' Masters Intensity

Scottie Scheffler's dominant performance in recent years has drawn comparisons to Tiger Woods, though Scheffler himself acknowledges the significant difference in their career achievements. Since February 2022, Scheffler has secured 21 victories, including four major championships, a remarkable run that positions him near the top of the sport. Despite this success, he remains far from Woods' record of 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 major titles. The financial landscape of professional golf has evolved, with Scheffler now just over $600,000 shy of surpassing Woods on the PGA Tour career money list.

Ahead of the Tour Championship, Scheffler addressed the media and recounted an incident from the 2020 Masters that underscored Woods' legendary competitive spirit. Scheffler described being genuinely "shocked" by something Woods did during that tournament. He emphasized that his understanding of competitive instincts and intensity has been shaped by observing players like Woods, who set a high standard on the PGA Tour and inspired many, including Scheffler.

Scheffler's current form makes him a leading contender in any event he enters, evidenced by his price of +440 (FanDuel) for the upcoming Tour Championship. This reflects his consistent high-level play. In contrast, while Woods remains a revered figure in golf, his active playing schedule is limited. His odds for the Masters Tournament stand at +25000 (DraftKings), indicating his status as a significant longshot given his infrequent competitive appearances.

The anecdote from the 2020 Masters illustrates the profound respect Scheffler holds for Woods' unwavering focus and competitive fire. Even as Scheffler carves out his own impressive career, the lessons learned from observing a player of Woods' caliber continue to influence his approach to the game.