Scottie Scheffler Dominates PGA Tour Opener, Unchanged in New Season Start

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Scottie Scheffler kicked off his 2024 season at The American Express in La Quinta, California, with an impressive win. He secured a four-shot victory, finishing the final round with a 6-under 66. Notably, this victory marks Scheffler’s 20th win on the PGA Tour, a remarkable achievement all within the last four years.

Scottie Scheffler’s Dominance

With this latest win, Scheffler has now earned a lifetime membership on the PGA Tour. His record is noteworthy, as he has triumphed in nine out of his 20 tournaments by a margin of four shots or more. This positions him alongside legends Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to achieve 20 wins and four major championships before turning 30.

Reflecting on his journey, Scheffler stated, “It’s been a great start to my career. I was just trying to do the things I needed to do to be prepared.” His consistent performance reinforces his status as the world’s top-ranked player.

Challengers in the Field

The 18-year-old Blades Brown emerged as a notable competitor, finishing high school just two weeks before the tournament. Despite a strong start, Brown struggled after the fourth hole, where he was in a solid position before a string of misfortunes led to a disappointing final score of 74. Brown’s experience illustrates the demanding nature of professional golf.

• Blades Brown: Attempted to become the youngest PGA Tour winner in 95 years.
• Si Woo Kim: Initially led the tournament but faced setbacks.
• Jason Day: Finished as the runner-up with a final round of 64.
• Ryan Gerard: Tied for second with a score of 65.
• Matt McCarty and Andrew Putnam: Finished with scores of 68.

Key Highlights from The American Express

The tournament featured a challenging course at the Stadium Course at PGA West. Scheffler’s performance included several key moments:

• Four consecutive birdies within a six-hole span solidified his lead.
• A critical chip on the par-5 11th nearly sank for an additional birdie.
• Despite a double bogey on the par-3 17th, he maintained a comfortable lead.

Scheffler’s command was evident as he maintained control throughout the day, concluding with a four-shot lead. His next challenge will be the Phoenix Open, indicating a promising continuation of his impressive form on the PGA Tour.