Scheffler Breaks Tiger Woods World No.1 Record

Scottie Scheffler is the new World No.1 and shattered two Tiger Woods records to get there

Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods side by side
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Scottie Scheffler became the World No.1 following victory at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play - his third in his last five PGA Tour starts. In doing so, the American shattered two records previously held by none other than Tiger Woods.

Scheffler set a new record for fewest days between first PGA Tour title and reaching World No.1 spot. It was 252 days between Woods' victory at the 1996 Las Vegas Invitational and reaching the summit of the world ranking whilst Scheffler achieved that feat in just 42 days. 

That wasn't the only record that Scheffler demolished. Of the 25 players that have reached the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, 23 needed more than a year after breaking into the top-10 to do so. Tiger Woods held the record with nine weeks prior to Scheffler doing the same in just six weeks. 

The American broke into the top-10 following his maiden victory at the WM Phoenix Open and climbed to fifth after triumph at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His victory at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play proved to be the icing on the cake as he ascended to the top of the ranking. 

Despite his recent dominance, the realisation hit hard during the trophy ceremony at Austin Country Club. “I never got that far in my dreams,” Scheffler said. “I just play golf. I love competing. I’m happy to be out here, you know?”

Whilst Scheffler set two records this week, only Woods and Spieth have reached the top of the ranking in fewer starts. Scheffler ascended to the top after 92 appearances whilst Spieth required 77 - Woods did the same in just 21. Scheffler is the sixth-youngest player to reach No.1 since the world ranking began in 1986.

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James Hibbitt
Writer

James joined Golf Monthly having previously written for other digital outlets. He is obsessed with all areas of the game – from tournament golf, to history, equipment, technique and travel. He is also an avid collector of memorabilia; with items from the likes of Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, Francis Ouimet, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Adam Scott and Ernie Els. As well as writing for Golf Monthly, James’ golfing highlight is fist bumping Phil Mickelson on his way to winning the Open Championship at Muirfield in 2013. James grew up on the east coast of England and is the third generation of his golfing family. He now resides in Leeds and is a member of Cobble Hall Golf Club with a handicap index of 1.7. His favourite films are The Legend of Bagger Vance and Tin Cup.