Scottie Scheffler doesn’t know how Tiger Woods does it.
The World No. 1 and reigning Masters champion missed the first month of the season, needing surgery on his hand after gashing it with a wine glass during the Christmas break.
And he’s been struggling to return to form ever since.
But he sees Tiger as inspiration.
Speaking to the media Sunday after his final round at the Genesis Invitational that Tiger annually hosts, Scheffler seemed amazed at what Woods has been able to accomplish after the level of injuries he’s sustained over his career.
Scheffler dominated the 2024 season like nobody had since Woods in 2000. Each player won nine times in their respective seasons, with Tiger winning three majors to Scheffler’s one, but Scottie also won an Olympic gold medal.
Of course, Tiger’s injury history is an extensive one. Since 2008, he’s reportedly had close to 15 surgeries, with six on his back alone, according to NBC.
But it was the injuries he sustained in a one-car accident in February 2021 that did the most damage, breaking multiple bones in his right leg and requiring several surgeries just to get him to a point where he could walk on it again, much less compete with the best in the world.
When comparing what he went through to Tiger, Scheffler said, “Some of that makes it look even more impressive what Tiger’s been able to do coming off his surgeries and long layoffs to just come out and compete with us. It’s pretty miraculous.”
Scottie Scheffler says he’s trying to give himself grace as he returns to golf after hand surgery. Has been tough at times. He was visibly upset yesterday and admitted it impacted his play. “I have high expectations… I definitely forget that I had lost some of the progress… pic.twitter.com/0gaGcWUyWm
— Paul Hodowanic (@PaulHodowanic) February 16, 2025
Given Scheffler’s strong finish at the Genesis this week, where he finished with a 6-under 66 on Sunday and tied for third, it seems like he is rounding back into form. When his first win of the season will come is anyone’s guess, but he certainly seems to be in the right frame of mind.
“I did some things in the last few weeks that I’m happy with,” Scheffler said. “And definitely some things I need to improve on.”
If there’s one thing he and Woods have always had in common is their focus, which is why nobody seems worried about Scheffler getting back into the winners circle sooner rather than later.
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