Scottie Scheffler successfully retained his Hero World Challenge title thanks to a convincing six-shot victory to cap off a dominant year.
The World No. 1 came into the final round a shot behind overnight leader playing partner Justin Thomas. But Thomas’ narrow lead dissipated instantly after Scheffler sunk three birdies in his first four holes in the final round to seize control at the top of the leaderboard.
He went onto increase his advantage as the day went on as he birdied four of his final six holes to hit a startling nine-under 63 and storm to victory at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.
He now joins Tiger Woods (2006-07) and Norway’s Viktor Hovland (2021-22) as the only consecutive winners of the invitational event.
“Very satisfying,” Scheffler said. “I did a lot of good stuff today on the course. It feels nice to take a break and come back and continue to play some really solid golf.”
This marks Scheffler’s ninth victory of the year in what has been a remarkable season for the Texan who also claimed wins at this years Masters, Players Championship, TOUR Championship, and claimed Olympic Gold in Paris. He has now tied Woods and Vijay Singh for the most wins in a single season despite this event and the Olympics not classed as PGA TOUR competitions.
“I think it has been a great year and a fun year,” Scheffler said. “I have been fortunate to get some wins out of some really good golf. This was another week where I played really solid and was able to see some nice results from that.
“I am very grateful for the season and the wins, but at the end of the day when we go home, I am looking forward to doing things that is not golf.
“I like to live my life and enjoy my time at home. I have had a little bit of time to reflect, but I am not really sure how to assess it. It has just been pretty surreal, a lot of fun and I am just really grateful.”
South Korea’s Tom Kim ended the event in a distant second after hitting a final-round 68 while Thomas could not keep up with fellow countryman Scheffler to end the event in third as his winless drought continues.