World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler has many achievements under his belt. However, before 2026, he had not won on his first start of the season. That all changed in La Quinta, California, as Scheffler strolled to a four-stroke victory at The American Express tournament on the PGA Tour.
This success is an ominous sign for rivals hoping the Texan may relinquish his grip on the sport over the coming year. With this latest triumph, Scheffler became the second-fastest player to reach 20 PGA Tour wins and added his name to the short list of players who have earned over $100 million in career prize money.
Second to Tiger in Race to 20
In contention throughout at The American Express, Scheffler sealed the deal with a closing 66 to finish on 27 under, four shots clear of Jason Day, Ryan Gerard, Matt McCarty, and Andrew Putnam. A fine way to start the year and a win which brought up the significant 20-win milestone on the PGA Tour.
| Win No. | Date | Tournament | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 2022 | Phoenix Open | $1.476m |
| 2 | Mar 2022 | Arnold Palmer Invitational | $2.16m |
| 3 | Mar 2022 | WGC Match Play | $2.1m |
| 4 | Apr 2022 | US Masters | $2.7m |
| 5 | Feb 2023 | Phoenix Open | $3.6m |
| 6 | Mar 2023 | The Players Championship | $4.5m |
| 7 | Mar 2024 | Arnold Palmer Invitational | $4m |
| 8 | Mar 2024 | The Players Championship | $4.5m |
| 9 | Apr 2024 | US Masters | $3.6m |
| 10 | Apr 2024 | RBC Heritage | $3.6m |
| 11 | Jun 2024 | Memorial Tournament | $4m |
| 12 | 2Jun 2024 | Travelers Championship | $3.6m |
| 13 | Sep 2024 | Tour Championship | $25m |
| 14 | May 2025 | CJ Cup Byron Nelson | $1.782m |
| 15 | May 2025 | PGA Championship | $3.42m |
| 16 | Jun 2025 | Memorial Tournament | $4m |
| 17 | Jul 2025 | Open Championship | $3.1m |
| 18 | Aug 2025 | BMW Championship | $3.6m |
| 19 | Sep 2025 | Procore Championship | $1.08m |
| 20 | Jan 2025 | The American Express | $1.656m |
Joining the tour in 2020, Scheffler had to wait until February 2022 to pick up his first win at the WM Phoenix Open. That playoff success in Scottsdale triggered an incredible winning spree, which hit new heights in 2024 and is showing no signs of slowing down. Scheffler’s 20 wins have come in the space of his last 81 starts, while he has now won 14 of his last 35 starts for a phenomenal 40% win rate. Bearing in mind that between 132 and 156 players start the average PGA Tour event, that 40% figure is perhaps the best measure of just how dominant Scheffler has become. His 14 tour wins since the start of 2024 are nine more than any other player.
Scheffler won his 20th tournament 1,442 days after winning his first. Only Tiger Woods (1,351 days) has a smaller gap between their first and 20th win. Win number 20 came on Scheffler’s 151st start. This places him third on the all-time list, behind all-time greats Tiger Woods (95 starts) and Jack Nicklaus (127 starts).
Scheffler becomes the first player to reach 20 wins on tour since Rory McIlroy picked up his 20th win at the 2021 CJ Cup. In the modern era, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus are the only other players to reach 20 PGA Tour wins and four majors before turning 30. McIlroy won four majors by the age of 25 but was 32 when he won his 20th PGA Tour event.
In reaching 20 wins, Scheffler draws level with Hale Irwin, Greg Norman, Johnny Revolta, and Doug Sanders on the all-time list. Davis Love III, Lanny Wadkins, and Craig Wood are now in his sights, but he has some way to go to catch Tiger Woods (82 wins, including 15 majors) and Jack Nicklaus (73 wins and 18 majors).
Third Member of the $100 Million Club
In mastering the California fairways, Scheffler picked up first-place prize money of $1,656,000, taking his career earnings to $101,109,136. That tally sees him sit third on the all-time money list, behind only Tiger Woods ($120,999,166) and Rory McIlroy ($107,981,766). While the astronomical prize money of the modern era places Scheffler at an advantage, neither Woods nor McIlroy reached $100 million as quickly.
Career Grand Slam Next on the List?
In recognition of his achievement, Scheffler also received a lifetime exemption on the PGA Tour, allowing him to focus on adding to his formidable record in the years to come. As one of the few things missing on the Scheffler CV, the career Grand Slam may feature prominently on his list of ambitions.
Having won The Masters (2022, 2024), The Open (2025), and the PGA Championship (2025), the US Open is the last box to tick. Scheffler’s next chance to become the seventh player to achieve the career Grand Slam comes at the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. The event tees off on Thursday, 18 June, with the fourth round taking place on Sunday, 21 June, which just happens to be Scottie Scheffler’s 30th birthday.
As far as 30th birthday presents go, a career Grand Slam would be up there for most golfers. However, that prospect is unlikely to dominate Scheffler’s thoughts, as he prefers to take a day-by-day approach to the game. Reflecting on the illustrious company he shares in the $100 million and 20 Tour win clubs, Scheffler stated:
“Any time you can get mentioned with those guys, it means you’re doing some stuff right. At the end of the day, it’s not something that will occupy many of my thoughts day-to-day. When I was thinking about getting ready for this week, I was just trying to prepare and do the best that I could.”
As the hottest talent in the game has proven time and time again, Scottie Scheffler’s best is often more than good enough.