Source: Unsplash
2024 has already been an epic year in the world of golf, and it has certainly been one to
remember for the Americans. Stateside golfers claimed all four majors this year for the
first time since 1982. Back then, it was Tom Watson leading the charge by winning both
the Open Championship and the US Open. At the same time, he was backed up by
PGA Championship winner Raymond Floyd, as well as Craig Stadler, who secured the
Green Jacket in August, the only major of his career.
This year, a new generation has risen to the fore, spearheaded by 20-something
youngsters who have taken the links by storm. But where do they sit in the world
rankings?
Scottie Scheffler
At the summit of the rankings sits Scottie Scheffler, who has turned his potential into
world-class talent. This star first burst onto the scene at just 35 years of age as he
finished eighth at both The Open and the PGA Championship, as well as seventh at the
US Open. The following year, he was a major winner after claiming the Masters, while
back-to-back top-three finishes at the US Open in 2022 and 2023 rubber-stamped his
status as perhaps the finest player on the planet.
This year, he lived up to the billing once more as he claimed the green jacket for the
second time in his career. The 28-year-old was in contention at Augusta all weekend,
but it was Championship Sunday where he truly came into his own. While everyone else
was faltering around him, Scheffler had the round of his life to finish four under par, 11
under for the weekend, and four strokes clear of closest rival Ludvig Åberg. Such was
the dominance of his victory, that the bookies already fancy his chances of retaining the
crown with the latest odds on golf betting at Bovada making the talented American a
+500 favorite for victory once again.
While Scheffler sits at the summit of world golf, he wasn’t able to add numerous majors
this year. A lowly 41st place at the US Open was a particularly low point.
Xander Schauffele
While Scheffler wasn't able to add multiple majors to his fledgling trophy cabinet, one
man who could was compatriot and friend Xander Schauffele. The 30-year-old claimed
his maiden major back in May when he won the PGA Championship. The Californian
opened up a three-stroke lead on the opening day, and it was a good job that he did as
he was being hunted down across the final two days of action.
Fellow American Bryson DeChambeau took two strokes out of the eventual champion
across the final two days, taking him within one stroke of the leader. But ultimately, the
stroke never came, and Schauffele held his nerve to claim the victory. Two months
later, he was at it again.
Schauffele headed to the Open Championship as a contender once more, and he
performed as such. This time around, however, there was no early lead to rely on.
Steady performances across the first three days left him one stroke off the lead heading
into the championship round, and it was there where he came into his own. He shot a
blistering six under par on day four, good enough to secure the Claret Jug after finishing
two shots ahead of Billy Horschel and Justin Rose.
His performances have left him as the second-ranked player in the world, and it will be
interesting to see whether he can overthrow his accomplice at the summit.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has long been at the top of the world rankings, but his long-lasting major
drought is still ongoing. A decade ago, the Northern Irishman was the dominant force in
the golfing world, putting his 2011 Masters collapse behind him to reel off success after
success. His first triumph came two months on from that Augusta meltdown when he
reigned supreme at the 2011 US Open, and by the time May 2014 rolled around,
McIlroy was a four-time major winner.
However, in the decade since that triumph, the 35-year-old has been unable to add
another major to his resume. In recent years, he has finished second at the Masters and
achieved back-to-back second-place finishes at the US Open. Despite that, however, he
remains number three in the world, and ending his ongoing drought is his primary
concern.
His strategic approach to the game and his powerful drives have been central to his
success. In the majors of 2024, he remained a contender, but that elusive triumph
remains exactly that.
Ludvig Aberg
Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg is a rising star in the world of golf and has made significant
strides in his career over the last year, which has seen him rise to fourth place in the
rankings. He finished second at the Masters and provided plenty of competition to
Scheffler up until the American pulled away. Now, he will be aiming to crack three by
also finding a way to usurp the opposition and claim his first major.