Relentless Scottie Scheffler makes history and pays Tiger Woods ultimate tribute

Scottie Scheffler defended his Players Championship title at TPC Sawgrass on Sunday, the first event champion to go back-to-back.

A humble Scottie Scheffler has played down comparisons to the ‘idolised’ Tiger Woods, after the world No.1 made Players Championship history by winning back-to-back titles at TPC Sawgrass.

Despite sustaining a neck injury in round two, Scheffler showed exactly why he is the best player on the planet, storming to victory with a superb eight-under-par round of 64 on Sunday. The win was an extra-special one for the American, having become the first champion in Players history to defend their crown.

On the back of his historic win, Scheffler was paid the highest compliment of all, having been compared to the great Woods, but the 27-year-old believes he has a long way to go before reaching the heights of Woods, despite matching his win tally at TPC Sawgrass. “Anytime you can be compared to Tiger I think is really special,” he said on Sunday.

“But, I mean, the guy stands alone I think in our game. He really does. This is my eighth tournament win now out here and I’ve tied him in Players Championships. Outside of that, I got 14 more majors and 70-some PGA Tour events to catch up.

Scottie Scheffler won the Players Championship on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)

“I think I’m going to stick to my routine and just continue to plot along, try and stay as even-keeled as I can. Yeah, we all idolise Tiger. He’s been our guy. Watching what he did in special moments over the years is crazy to watch.

“I’ve learned a lot just from being around him. We’re just very thankful that he’s still a part of our sport.”

Scheffler was forced to battle through the week with injury, after straining his neck partway through his second round last Friday. At one stage, the two-time champion had even contemplated withdrawing from the event, but put together a brilliant weekend’s work of 68 on Saturday and a stunning 64 on Sunday.

Tiger Woods has two Players titles to his name (Image: Getty)

Scheffler battled through on course treatment before going on to defend his title. “This week was a physical test, as well, just with how my neck was Friday and Saturday,” he commented.

“I put a lot into trying to win this golf tournament and it’s very satisfying to be walking out of here with the trophy. I think that’s why we put in all the work to be able to finish off tournaments and to play well at the right time. Going into days like today it’s nice coming out on top, for sure. It’s a great feeling.”