This $100 Million Tournament Gives Scottie Scheffler a Head Start. It Also Gives Him Fits.
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The world's top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler held a four stroke lead heading into the weekend at the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event outside of London. Scheffler's lead is a reflection of his consistent play throughout the 2023 season. Scheffler holds a 5 stroke lead in the FedEx Cup standings and has already won 4 PGA Tour events during the 2023 season.
Despite Scheffler's impressive play LIV Golf has yet to make a significant impact on the Official World Golf Rankings. Dustin Johnson is the highest ranked LIV Golf player at number 22 while Scheffler is number 1. This is because LIV Golf events are not currently sanctioned by the PGA Tour and Official World Golf Ranking does not award points for non-sanctioned events.
The lack of ranking points combined with the eight-figure signing bonuses has drawn criticism from many golf fans. Some have accused LIV Golf of using money to create a golf super league. Others have accused LIV Golf of hurting the game of golf by taking away top talent.
Heading 3: Scheffler's Success
Despite the controversy surrounding LIV Golf Scheffler has played some of his best golf since joining the series. In his first four LIV Golf events Scheffler has finished 1st twice, 3rd, and 4th.
Scheffler's success in LIV Golf can be attributed to several factors. First, LIV Golf events have much smaller fields than PGA Tour events. The smaller fields make it easier for Scheffler to win. Second, LIV Golf events are played on shorter courses. This gives Scheffler a slight advantage because he is one of the longest hitters on tour.
Heading 3: Scheffler's Struggles
Despite his success in LIV Golf Scheffler has also faced some challenges. One challenge is the lack of competition. LIV Golf events do not have the same depth of field as PGA Tour events. This means that Scheffler is not always facing the best players in the world.
Another challenge is the lack of ranking points. As mentioned earlier, LIV Golf events do not award ranking points. This means that Scheffler's LIV Golf wins will not help him improve his world ranking.
Finally, Scheffler has had to deal with the criticism that comes with playing in LIV Golf. Some fans have accused Scheffler of selling out. Others have said that he is only playing in LIV Golf for the money.
Heading 3: Scheffler's Future
It is unclear what the future holds for Scheffler. He has said that he is committed to LIV Golf but he has also said that he would like to play in the majors. If LIV Golf is not able to get its events sanctioned by the Official World Golf Ranking it is possible that Scheffler will return to the PGA Tour.
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