2024 awards! Breakouts, surprises, letdowns, favorite moments
Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav
Deep Dive
Why was Scottie Scheffler considered the best player of 2024?
Scottie Scheffler dominated the 2024 season with seven official wins and nine victories including the Olympics. His consistent ball striking and improved putting, including adopting a claw grip for short putts, made him nearly unbeatable. He finished fourth in strokes gained putting at the Hero World Challenge and won by six strokes, showcasing his ability to limit mistakes and apply pressure on opponents.
Who was the breakout player of 2024 in golf?
Nick Dunlap emerged as the breakout player of 2024, becoming the first player in PGA Tour history to win as both an amateur and a professional in the same season. He won the American Express and later the Barracuda Championship, validating his early success and showing resilience after a mid-season slump.
What was the biggest disappointment in golf for 2024?
Jon Rahm was considered the biggest disappointment of 2024. Despite being a top-five player globally, he struggled in major championships and the Olympics, failing to deliver the performances expected of him. His move to LIV Golf limited his opportunities to prove his worth, and his inability to capitalize on key moments left fans and analysts underwhelmed.
Who is a player on the rise to watch in 2025?
Maverick McNeely is a player on the rise for 2025. After winning the RSM Classic, he showed consistent performance throughout the season and made significant improvements in his swing under coach Scott Hamilton. His intellect and ability to articulate complex ideas about the game also make him a potential leader off the course.
What was the feel-good story of 2024 in golf?
Lydia Ko’s resurgence was the feel-good story of 2024. After struggling to secure her final point for LPGA Hall of Fame eligibility, she won three times, including the Women’s Open at St. Andrews and an Olympic gold medal. Her success marked a triumphant return to form and solidified her legacy in the sport.
What was the shot of the year in 2024?
Bryson DeChambeau’s 50-yard bunker shot on the 18th hole at the U.S. Open was the shot of the year. Facing immense pressure, he executed a perfect splash-out to four feet, securing a one-putt par and the championship. The shot was pivotal in his victory and is considered one of the greatest in U.S. Open history.
What was the biggest surprise in golf for 2024?
The biggest surprise of 2024 was Scottie Scheffler’s arrest ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship. Despite spending time in jail, he shot in the 60s at Valhalla, showcasing his mental toughness and ability to perform under extreme circumstances.
What was a favorite personal moment covering golf in 2024?
A favorite personal moment was covering Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open victory, particularly his celebratory lap around the property and his interaction with Johnson Wagner in the bunker. The moment felt like a step toward healing the fractured state of professional golf, bringing together fans and players from different tours.
- Scotty Scheffler was the best player of 2024, winning seven official events and nine times overall, including the Olympics.
- His ball-striking and putting were consistently excellent.
- Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele were also considered but did not match Scheffler's dominance.
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