Question of the week [July 28 – Aug. 3]: Do you believe Scottie Scheffler’s greatness more resembles Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus? Or is it too early or fair to even make a comparison?
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The comparison to Jack Nicklaus seems most appropriate. The steady, but brilliant, play of both men draws that comparison.
Tiger Woods was more high octane, had more raw horsepower as opposed to the constant diesel power of Scottie and Jack. All three are truly great. Time will tell how long Scottie can play at this high level. His ball striking is simply superb, so it’s simply a question of how long the putter will cooperate. Unlike Tiger Woods, it appears Scottie will remain healthy baring unforeseen circumstances, thus setting up for some interesting comparisons should he continue to win at this rate.
Reid Farrill
Toronto, Ontario
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Why is it we feel the need to compare sports figures? You can’t compare Jack to Tiger or Scottie to Jack or Tiger. Different competition, equipment, courses, training. Why can’t we just enjoy what is unfolding in front of us for what it is and just move on? Why do we have to sensationalize everything, make everything out to be more than what it is — or at least that’s the way it seems to me?
Wayne Smith
Georgetown, Texas
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I would say it depends on what we were saying about Tiger Wood at this point in his professional career — measured by time, not by accomplishments. If we weren’t comparing Tiger to Jack at this point (I don’t have LexisNexis, so I don’t know), then we shouldn’t be comparing Scottie to Tiger (nor to Jack) at this point. And vice-versa.
Andrew Turnbull
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
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I’d ask the media to allow Scottie Scheffler be Scottie Scheffler. He does not appear to be comfortable with the comparisons. I wish the media — which asks way too many annoying questions — would just allow him to be himself.
He told us he loves to compete. He practices and prepares to be his best. No doubt on his part that he is prepared when he steps on the first tee. But he told us it is not the top of his pyramid. Refreshing. Fun to watch. Good for him.
Jim Branchick
Lyon Township, Michigan
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This is way too early to be discussing if Scottie is — or will — be better than Jack or Tiger. Check back in about 10 years to make a comparison.
Jim Ryan
Oxford, Michigan
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When he is on his game, Scheffler is as good as Jack, Tiger or Johnny Miller during their super spells.
But Scheffler hit his spell later, about 5 years later than Jack or Tiger. And his devotion to faith and new family probably means a shorter career “in the zone.” Remember also how David Duval just fell for no reason. I don’t know what curtailed Miller’s time in the zone, I know leg trouble later on did. And for Tiger unforced errors cost him his chance at 18 majors. Compare to Rory McIlroy? Time will tell. Rory won between 14 or 17 events in between his majors. Not too shabby while on “major watch.”
For now, Scheffler is on track closer with Tom Watson in wins and majors at his age. But Tom nearly won the Open when he was 59. Scheffler probably could win a major in his 50s, if he plays 10 to 15 events a year, which is unlikely. He’ll be teaching kids. Maybe become the 21st century version of Harvey Penick, albeit with a different first part of his life.
Donn Rutkoff
Oceanside, California
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Scottie’s comparison to Jack or Tiger comes down to discipline. Scottie is focused on golf as part of his life and his world, not something that controls his life.
Clark Spratlin
St. Simons Island, Georgia
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Prior to the British Open, Scottie said that golf was not “fulfilling” and that if he won it would be great — for about two minutes.
Since he has stopped acknowledging his fans after good shots, putts or holes, who cares about how many majors he might win?
Don Jared
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
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I think it’s too early to tell. He certainly has not hit Jack or Tiger status by any means. You can’t look at the money. The prize pool has grown tremendously since the Nicklaus and Woods era.
Paul Vicary
The Villages, Florida
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Front: Scottie Scheffler with the claret jug at the 153rd Open Championship.
Photo: JJ Tanabe | Golffile
