CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One year removed from his arrest at the PGA Championship, Scottie Scheffler has flipped the script in dramatic fashion. On Sunday, the world’s No. 1 golfer lifted the Wanamaker Trophy at Quail Hollow Club, claiming his third major title with a five-shot victory at the 107th PGA Championship.
Scheffler carded an even-par 71 in the final round to finish comfortably ahead of Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau, and Davis Riley. The win marked a full-circle moment after a chaotic episode at last year’s PGA, when Scheffler was briefly arrested outside Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.
This time, the headlines were all about his golf.
Though his five-stroke lead was briefly threatened by Jon Rahm midway through Sunday’s round, Scheffler steadied himself on the back nine. While Rahm faltered on Quail Hollow’s infamous closing stretch — known as the “Green Mile” — Scheffler surged. He birdied three of his final seven holes to pull away decisively.
A Strong Finish:
After reaching the turn at 2-over and tied with Rahm, Scheffler recaptured control with a birdie on the 10th hole. He added key birdies at 14 and 15 while Rahm stumbled, posting bogey-double-double on holes 16 through 18 to finish tied for eighth.
“This back nine is something I’ll never forget,” said Scheffler. “I was really tested today, and I’m proud of how I responded. It was a grind, but it makes this win even more meaningful.”
Emotional Celebration:
Scheffler’s celebration was raw and heartfelt. After sinking his final putt, he raised his arms in triumph, spiked his hat, and embraced his wife Meredith and baby son Bennett greenside. His father, Scott, summed up the moment: “Words can’t describe it. You are so tough. We are so proud of you.”
Scheffler later admitted the final round was one of the hardest battles of his career. “There were definitely moments where I wasn’t sure how it would go. I just kept grinding.”
From Mugshot to Major Champion:
Just over a year ago, Scheffler was arrested ahead of his second round at the 2024 PGA Championship amid confusion near the course after a fatal shuttle bus accident. Authorities initially claimed he failed to follow instructions, but video evidence later revealed the incident was a misunderstanding. Charges were dropped, and Scheffler called it “an unfortunate situation” that is now firmly behind him.
Now, that chapter is merely a footnote to an increasingly historic career.
Elite Company;
Scheffler, 28, joins an elite group of golfers who have reached 15 PGA Tour wins and won three majors before turning 29 — a feat matched only by Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus since World War II.
He also became just the second golfer in the last century, alongside Seve Ballesteros, to win his first three majors by more than three strokes.
Driver Drama and Determination:
Scheffler didn’t make it easy on himself. He hit only two of his first seven fairways Sunday and admitted he struggled to control his driver. Earlier in the week, USGA officials deemed his regular driver nonconforming, forcing him to switch equipment before the tournament.
But Scheffler refused to blame his tools: “The driver was fine. My swing was the issue. I just needed to trust myself and stay in the fight.”
What’s Next?
With another major added to his resume and his grip on the world No. 1 ranking growing stronger, Scheffler continues to cement his legacy. His ability to deliver under pressure — and bounce back from adversity — has become his trademark.
“Last year still feels surreal at times,” Scheffler said. “But sitting here today with this trophy — that’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
