Open Championship Thread 2025

[MuggsyB]

Watching the recap and seeing pundits try and put into words what Scottie is doing right now.  They don't want to say Tiger-like but the way he is winning majors is Tiger-like by vaporizing the field.

The best players can do that.  I think the comparison is apt and isn't hyperbole.  Considering he lost a portion of the early season, this season could have been even better and it's still wildly great.

He isn't Tiger in personality or demeanor.  I don't think that's a bad thing and probably better for Scottie.  But he is doing Tiger stuff.

Watching the recap and seeing pundits try and put into words what Scottie is doing right now.  They don't want to say Tiger-like but the way he is winning majors is Tiger-like by vaporizing the field.

The best players can do that.  I think the comparison is apt and isn't hyperbole.  Considering he lost a portion of the early season, this season could have been even better and it's still wildly great.

He isn't Tiger in personality or demeanor.   I don't think that's a bad thing and probably better for Scottie.  But he is doing Tiger stuff.

Is the game deeper now or during the Tiger era? 

[Uncle Rico]

Is the game deeper now or during the Tiger era? 

Deeper now.  Tiger probably wins more majors if drivers don't turn into frying pans and the ball doesn't become a springboard

[MuggsyB]

Deeper now.  Tiger probably wins more majors if drivers don't turn into frying pans and the ball doesn't become a springboard

He probably wins 25 if not for some personal issues. 

[Uncle Rico]

He probably wins 25 if not for some personal issues. 

That, too.

He had such a big advantage over everyone else before the equipment advances because of his power and iron play

[MuggsyB]

That, too.

He had such a big advantage over everyone else before the equipment advances because of his power and iron play

Agreed.  I didn't play or follow golf as much during his career but you could tell immediately he was on a completely different level.  And I was a teenager.   Scheffy doesn't strike me quite that way, but at the same time his A game is dominant. Truthfully he could have easily been -27 this tournament. 

[MU82]

Watching the recap and seeing pundits try and put into words what Scottie is doing right now.  They don't want to say Tiger-like but the way he is winning majors is Tiger-like by vaporizing the field.

The best players can do that.  I think the comparison is apt and isn't hyperbole.  Considering he lost a portion of the early season, this season could have been even better and it's still wildly great.

He isn't Tiger in personality or demeanor.   I don't think that's a bad thing and probably better for Scottie.  But he is doing Tiger stuff.

I agree with every word of this ... and yet I am still kinda bored watching him.

Then again, maybe I'm just bored when he wins going away. If a couple of others also were playing crazy-good golf - forcing him to make great shots down the stretch to keep pace - I wouldn't be bored at all.

None of that is his "fault," obviously, nor is it bad in any way that his personality is what it is.

[cheebs09]

He probably wins 25 if not for some personal issues. 

That and insisting on doing Navy Seal training. I think that might have contributed to his ACL in 2008, which kind of started the breakdown.

[MuggsyB]

I agree with every word of this ... and yet I am still kinda bored watching him.

Then again, maybe I'm just bored when he wins going away. If a couple of others also were playing crazy-good golf - forcing him to make great shots down the stretch to keep pace - I wouldn't be bored at all.

None of that is his "fault," obviously, nor is it bad in any way that his personality is what it is.

He went medieval for about 21 holes in round 2 and 3.  That changes everything.  My point is if someone was in legitimate striking distance, it would be far less "boring" from a competitive standpoint. Now maybe Tiger obliterating dudes was less boring, I'm just speculating, but I don't have any issues with dominance.  When you inflict thanks for playing damage, it can lead to viewership ennui.

[Uncle Rico]

He went medieval for about 21 holes in round 2 and 3.  That changes everything.  My point is if someone was in legitimate striking distance, it would be far less "boring" from a competitive standpoint. Now maybe Tiger obliterating dudes was less boring, I'm just speculating, but I don't have any issues with dominance.  When you inflict thanks for playing damage, it can lead to viewership ennui.

Dominance in winning titles is a sight to behold (assuming you're a fan of that player/team)

[MuggsyB]

Dominance in winning titles is a sight to behold (assuming you're a fan of that player/team)

Exactly.  Imagine how cool it would be if MU hoops suffocated their opponents, drilled open J's,  attacked the rack, and won every game by 25+ points in route to 12 titles in 15 years? Would this be boring?  I don't think so. 

[tower912]

You would have your pantaloons in a pucker about the 3 MU didn't win.

[JWags85]

Watching the recap and seeing pundits try and put into words what Scottie is doing right now.  They don't want to say Tiger-like but the way he is winning majors is Tiger-like by vaporizing the field.

The best players can do that.  I think the comparison is apt and isn't hyperbole.  Considering he lost a portion of the early season, this season could have been even better and it's still wildly great.

He isn't Tiger in personality or demeanor.   I don't think that's a bad thing and probably better for Scottie.  But he is doing Tiger stuff.

His presser before the tournament was illuminating and also incredibly thoughtful and eloquent.  It wasn't the "I don't actually like golf" take that Koepka had a few years ago, but it was very "golf is amazing but there is more to life than winning tournaments" and how fleeting the feeling of satisfaction from success in golf is.  Tiger was an absolute psycho about winning, being the best, etc... similar to someone like Michael Jordan. 

That's not Scottie.  He's an unreal talent, probably already one of the 20 best golfers of all time and he's not 30 years old yet.  But he's never gonna get super high or super low.  He doesn't seem to thrive off the scramble and crazy shot making.  He just does everything so well cruises.  Its fascinating stuff. 

Highly recommend watching the whole 5 min.  I think it encompasses a lot of what's been discussed here about him.

https://x.com/KylePorterNS/status/1945107140965728684

[MuggsyB]

You would have your pantaloons in a pucker about the 3 MU didn't win.

I'd be upset, but would bounce back quickly. 

[MuggsyB]

Here's an amazing stat:

Since Sheffy has gone to the mallet putter, he's won at a clip of 38.2%.  Small sample size, but still. 

[JWags85]

Speaking of Scottie and Tiger, one thing that was made a lot of was the effect that Tiger had on other golfers.  Fear/nerves/anxiety/etc... when facing him in weekend rounds.  While that became a joke when people mentioned it post 2018 or so, it was a real thing at his prime.  Would have been interesting to watch that Tiger against Scottie cause Scottie is one of the few players who wouldn't be phased with his consistency and flat emotional range.  Doesn't mean he'd be beating Tiger, but I don't think he would wilt like others did.

[cheebs09]

It will be interesting to see Scottie's longevity. Spieth and Rory have had years like this and have fallen off a bit (or a lot). Even a guy like Justin Thomas had a big 2017.

What's the stat on World Number 1? Is it something like Scottie would need to be Number one for 10 years straight to catch Tiger? He was so good for so long, it's kind of tough to remember the span in between his injuries and the last decade.

However, Scottie just seems so skilled as a ball striker that as long as he's an average putter, he's going to be at the top quite a bit.

[RJax55]

It will be interesting to see Scottie's longevity. Spieth and Rory have had years like this and have fallen off a bit (or a lot). Even a guy like Justin Thomas had a big 2017.

What's the stat on World Number 1? Is it something like Scottie would need to be Number one for 10 years straight to catch Tiger? He was so good for so long, it's kind of tough to remember the span in between his injuries and the last decade.

However, Scottie just seems so skilled as a ball striker that as long as he's an average putter, he's going to be at the top quite a bit.

This is well beyond any hot streak that Spieth, Jason Day, DJ or Justin Thomas has had. Even better than the best of Rory (2010-2014).

In the last 5 years in majors, Scottie has 4 wins, 11 Tops 10, and only one miss cut. Also, add in back-to-back Players in '23 & '24.

[JWags85]

It will be interesting to see Scottie's longevity. Spieth and Rory have had years like this and have fallen off a bit (or a lot). Even a guy like Justin Thomas had a big 2017.

I think the difference is Scottie has been on a consistent upwards trajectory for a decade.  Spieth was a prodigy who exploded onto the scene at 22 and then struggled with consistency.  Rory, similarly, winning tournaments at 21, 4 majors by 25, all of golf chasing him super young.

Scottie was an unreal Junior golfer, a very good college golfer, but had back injuries which may have been a blessing in disguise.  Played 4 years of golf at UT (didn't leave early and turn pro super young like others), then went to the Korn Ferry (not straight to the PGA) and dominated there.  Then was PGA ROY but didn't win his first year.  Then 2022 he caught fire.  But its not just this year.  He won a major in 2022, didn't win in 2023 but had 2 Top 3s and a Top 10, won the Masters last year and 2 more major Top 10s, and then he's had this monster 2025.  Much like his game on the course, his career has been consistency too.

I was never the biggest fan, but Ive come to really like him cause he's so open and honest and refreshing and as "normal" presenting as a superstar can be.  He's hit balls at my BIL's facility in Dallas and called/scheduled the time himself and just listed his name as "Scott".

[cheebs09]

Very cool! I'm definitely rooting for him and appreciate the background on his rise.

[Uncle Rico]

I think the difference is Scottie has been on a consistent upwards trajectory for a decade.  Spieth was a prodigy who exploded onto the scene at 22 and then struggled with consistency.  Rory, similarly, winning tournaments at 21, 4 majors by 25, all of golf chasing him super young.

Scottie was an unreal Junior golfer, a very good college golfer, but had back injuries which may have been a blessing in disguise.  Played 4 years of golf at UT (didn't leave early and turn pro super young like others), then went to the Korn Ferry (not straight to the PGA) and dominated there.  Then was PGA ROY but didn't win his first year.  Then 2022 he caught fire.  But its not just this year.  He won a major in 2022, didn't win in 2023 but had 2 Top 3s and a Top 10, won the Masters last year and 2 more major Top 10s, and then he's had this monster 2025.  Much like his game on the course, his career has been consistency too.

I was never the biggest fan, but Ive come to really like him cause he's so open and honest and refreshing and as "normal" presenting as a superstar can be.  He's hit balls at my BIL's facility in Dallas and called/scheduled the time himself and just listed his name as "Scott".

Rory is an interesting comp, because he was definitely Scottie-like after winning his 4th major in 2014.

I always believed Rory's career "stalling" at majors was losing the summer of '15.  Missed the US Open at Chambers and Open at St. Andrews and first event back was Whistling Straits.  Those courses were built for him.  I believe he gets at least one of those and the major trajectory is different.  Before the injury, Rory lurking meant Rory winning to many pundits.

[MU82]

I think the difference is Scottie has been on a consistent upwards trajectory for a decade.  Spieth was a prodigy who exploded onto the scene at 22 and then struggled with consistency.  Rory, similarly, winning tournaments at 21, 4 majors by 25, all of golf chasing him super young.

Scottie was an unreal Junior golfer, a very good college golfer, but had back injuries which may have been a blessing in disguise.  Played 4 years of golf at UT (didn't leave early and turn pro super young like others), then went to the Korn Ferry (not straight to the PGA) and dominated there.  Then was PGA ROY but didn't win his first year.  Then 2022 he caught fire.  But its not just this year.  He won a major in 2022, didn't win in 2023 but had 2 Top 3s and a Top 10, won the Masters last year and 2 more major Top 10s, and then he's had this monster 2025.  Much like his game on the course, his career has been consistency too.

I was never the biggest fan, but Ive come to really like him cause he's so open and honest and refreshing and as "normal" presenting as a superstar can be.  He's hit balls at my BIL's facility in Dallas and called/scheduled the time himself and just listed his name as "Scott".

Lots of good observations here, Wags. "Normal" (or at least normal seeming) is a very good description, better than my use of "boring."

It will be interesting to see going forward if there's the kind of intimidating "Tiger Effect" when it comes to Scottie. (As you alluded to, the only Scooper who was still talking about the Tiger Effect the last decade was the deceased Bill Cosby Roofie fan, 9-9-9.)

[JWags85]

Rory is an interesting comp, because he was definitely Scottie-like after winning his 4th major in 2014.

I always believed Rory's career "stalling" at majors was losing the summer of '15.  Missed the US Open at Chambers and Open at St. Andrews and first event back was Whistling Straits.  Those courses were built for him.  I believe he gets at least one of those and the major trajectory is different.  Before the injury, Rory lurking meant Rory winning to many pundits.

Yea, I think Rory was burdened by the psychological aspect of the majors after that point.  Cause in between his last PGA and the Masters this year, Rory won 30 times between the PGA and Euro tours.  Whereas Spieth has won twice in 8 years since his last major.

It remains to be seen, but I think there is that differing in psychology/perspective to Scottie that makes him wired different and less prone to that than Rory, though it makes him a less compelling/exciting watch.

Getting way ahead of ourselves, but I'll honestly be shocked if Scottie doesn't get to 10 majors at least.  He's shockingly consistent, is a big guy so doesn't need body-damaging torque to get distance, and he's not even 30. Arnie won 6 of his 7 after 30.  Watson 6 of 8. Jack 11 of 18. 

[MU82]

Koepka won 4 majors between 2017 (when he had just turned 27) and 2019. In other words, 4 at the same stage of his career as Scheffler right now. Although McIlroy was named player of the year in 2019, it was Koepka who finished in the top-4 of all 4 majors (including a win in the PGA).

Between 2014 and 2021, Koepka also had 12 other top-10 finishes in majors (including 6 top-5s). In addition, he won the 2019 World Golf Championship.

He wasn't as consistently good as Scheffler is, with more missed cuts and fewer top-10s in non-majors, but he clearly was able to "gear up" for majors as well as if not better than anybody in golf's Post-Tiger/Pre-LIV stretch.

So that's a fairly good comp for where Scheffler is now IMHO.

Of course, Scheffler probably isn't gonna bolt the tour for blood money, a move that began Koepka's fall from greatness. Though Koepka did win the 2023 PGA Championship and finish second in that year's Masters, he otherwise has been pedestrian at best. He missed the cut in 3 of this year's majors.

[Uncle Rico]

Koepka won 4 majors between 2017 (when he had just turned 27) and 2019. In other words, 4 at the same stage of his career as Scheffler right now. Although McIlroy was named player of the year in 2019, it was Koepka who finished in the top-4 of all 4 majors (including a win in the PGA).

Between 2014 and 2021, Koepka also had 12 other top-10 finishes in majors (including 6 top-5s). In addition, he won the 2019 World Golf Championship.

He wasn't as consistently good as Scheffler is, with more missed cuts and fewer top-10s in non-majors, but he clearly was able to "gear up" for majors as well as if not better than anybody in golf's Post-Tiger/Pre-LIV stretch.

So that's a fairly good comp for where Scheffler is now IMHO.

Of course, Scheffler probably isn't gonna bolt the tour for blood money, a move that began Koepka's fall from greatness. Though Koepka did win the 2023 PGA Championship and finish second in that year's Masters, he otherwise has been pedestrian at best. He missed the cut in 3 of this year's majors.

Koepka got hurt.  When he injured his knee, he kept trying to play through it.  Also lost his confidence in his game.  All things Scottie will have to avoid, too.

[MU82]

Koepka got hurt.  When he injured his knee, he kept trying to play through it.  Also lost his confidence in his game.  All things Scottie will have to avoid, too.

Excellent point, both about Koepka and Scheffler. Injuries are a wild card for any athlete. Or even any golfer - ha!