Scottie Scheffler continued his remarkable run at the top of the men’s game by claiming victory at The American Express 2026.
The win was another example of Scheffler’s ability to impose himself regardless of venue or conditions, and it has only intensified the comparisons with golf’s all-time greats.
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Inevitably, those comparisons lead to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, two players whose careers followed very different paths to greatness.
Scheffler’s rise has not been immediate or explosive in the way Woods’ was, but it has proven relentless and sustainable.
As his dominance continues, the discussion has shifted from whether he belongs in elite company to how high he might ultimately climb in golf’s all-time rankings.
How Scottie Scheffler compares statistically to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson
After 151 PGA Tour starts, Scheffler has now collected 20 Tour victories, a figure that places him in rare historical company.
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At the same stage of their careers, Tiger Woods had amassed an astonishing 38 wins, a reminder of a level of early dominance that remains unmatched.
Phil Mickelson, by contrast, had 13 wins after 151 starts, reflecting a much slower burn toward greatness.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Mickelson’s career ultimately became one of longevity and late-career success rather than immediate control of the sport.
Scheffler’s trajectory sits between the two. His early years on Tour were comparatively quiet, particularly when measured against Woods’ immediate impact.
However, everything changed following Scheffler’s first PGA Tour victory in 2022.
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Since then, his winning pace and consistency have mirrored the sustained dominance typically associated with Woods’ prime.
Why Scottie Scheffler could realistically surpass Phil Mickelson all-time
Mickelson has 45 PGA Tour wins and six major championships, benchmarks that define Hall of Fame greatness.
Those totals were built across decades, with some of his most iconic moments coming later in his career.
Scheffler’s game suggests a different kind of longevity. His dominance is built on elite ball-striking, control, and week-to-week reliability rather than streaky brilliance.
Historically, those traits tend to age well, offering players a longer competitive window at the top.
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Already ahead of Mickelson’s early pace, Scheffler has given himself a platform that few players ever reach.
Matching Woods may be unrealistic, but surpassing Mickelson is a legitimate and achievable target if Scheffler maintains anything close to his current level.
At this stage, the question is no longer whether Scheffler belongs among the greats. It is how far he can push his place among them.
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