Scottie Scheffler’s recent eight-stroke victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, his second PGA Tour win of the 2026 season, was met with admiration rather than surprise by fellow players, according to Justin Thomas. Thomas, a 33-year-old PGA Tour professional, shared his perspective on the Golf Channel Podcast, noting that Scheffler’s consistent high-level performance has made such dominant wins less jaw-dropping than they once were.
Scheffler, the 30-year-old world number one, has accumulated two wins and 12 top-5 finishes in 18 starts this season, alongside five runner-up placements. Despite this impressive record, Thomas acknowledged that Scheffler has faced some criticism for his 2026 season, suggesting that a player with a similar season would typically receive widespread praise. Thomas expressed his personal respect for Scheffler’s season, particularly in the context of the Player of the Year race, where definitions of achievement can vary.
The win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship has solidified Scheffler’s strong case for the Player of the Year award. Rory McIlroy, another prominent PGA Tour player, has conceded that Scheffler is the clear favorite for the honor, even if McIlroy were to win the TOUR Championship and Masters. Scheffler’s consistent performance has led to comparisons with Tiger Woods’ era of dominance, with many expecting him to contend for victory whenever he plays.
Scheffler’s first win of the 2026 season occurred in January at The American Express. His recent victory in Memphis by eight strokes over his nearest rivals, Si Woo Kim and Sam Burns, further underscores his commanding presence on the tour.