Is the reign of the world’s No. 1 in golf ending? For more than two years, Scottie Scheffler has dominated the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), staying at the top for 123 weeks in a row, a record only Tiger Woods has surpassed.
With seven PGA Tour wins, a second Masters championship, and an Olympic gold medal, his 2024 season was legendary. But as 2025 approaches, Rory McIlroy seriously threatens Scheffler’s hegemony. With three major victories this year, including the coveted Masters, the Northern Irishman has completed his career Grand Slam and is now setting the stage for a potential move to the top. As the pressure mounts, the question is whether Scheffler can hold his ground or if McIlroy will finally break through.
Scottie Scheffler’s reign faces its toughest challenge yet
Scottie Scheffler’s dominance in 2024 was nothing short of legendary. He clinched seven PGA Tour titles, including prestigious victories at the Masters and the Players Championship, and secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. His consistency was unparalleled, finishing the season with 16 top-10 finishes in 19 starts and not missing a single cut. This stellar performance earned him the PGA Tour Player of the Year award for the third consecutive time, a feat only previously achieved by Tiger Woods.
2025, however, has brought with it more difficulties. Even with impressive performances, including finishing in fourth place at Augusta, Scheffler has not yet won this season. His choice to forego the forthcoming Truist Championship, a prestigious event, to focus on the PGA Championship gives McIlroy a window of opportunity. This change was brought to light by golf analyst Nosferatu, who tweeted, “#OWGR No.1 watch Even though a win for Scottie at BN looks ominous, the fact that he will miss next week’s event in Philly, means that a small door is opening for @McIlroyRory for a possible return to world #1 at #PGAChamp. But he will need a W at Truist to have a chance…”
McIlroy, presently ranked second globally, has won many vital tournaments this year. Scheffler’s absence and involvement in the Truist Championship create the conditions for a possible change in the Official World Golf Ranking. McIlroy could recover the top spot and end Scheffler’s remarkable 100-week run if he wins at Truist and does well at the PGA Championship. And while the debate over OWGR supremacy rages, Scheffler isn’t backing down—his latest showing at the Byron Nelson proves exactly that.
Scheffler’s performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson amidst weather delays
Despite the imminent danger to his position as the world’s number one, Scheffler showed his fortitude at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Following a strong first round of 10-under 61, he maintained his momentum with an 8-under 63 in the second round, raising his two-day total to 18-under 124. Given the six-hour weather delay that caused play to be interrupted, this performance is especially remarkable.
Scheffler’s reputation as a great competitor is further supported by his capacity to stay focused and perform well under trying circumstances. His success at TPC Craig Ranch showcases his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 and mental toughness, which are important qualities as he prepares for the PGA Championship.
Scheffler’s dominance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson reminds him of his ability, even though it is not a marquee event. With the PGA Championship drawing near, everyone will be watching to see if he can convert this momentum into a significant win that would cement his place at the top or open the door for McIlroy to rise. Scheffler and McIlroy are both in outstanding form, and the race for the top spot in the world is getting fiercer.
