May 24, 2025 — In the world of golf, comparisons are rarely made lightly—especially when one name involved is Tiger Woods. But when a legend like Ernie Els draws a parallel between the dominant force of today and the icon of yesterday, the golf world pays attention. The four-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee recently made headlines by identifying strong similarities between current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and none other than Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest golfer of all time.
In a candid interview during the lead-up to this year’s U.S. Open, Els praised Scheffler’s calm demeanor, mental toughness, and seemingly unstoppable consistency—traits that defined Woods during the height of his dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
“Scottie reminds me of Tiger in the way he goes about his business on the course,” said Els. “He’s unshakable. When he\’s in the hunt, you just don’t see him make mistakes. That’s how Tiger used to play—methodical, focused, and deadly efficient.”
Els elaborated on how both golfers possess an uncanny ability to recover from adversity. “What’s special about Scottie, like Tiger in his prime, is that he doesn’t need to be perfect off the tee to win. He scrambles better than anyone right now and always finds a way to turn a bad hole into a good one. That’s a gift not many players have.”
Dominance in the Numbers
Scheffler\’s recent run of form has only strengthened the comparison. With six PGA Tour wins in the past 14 months, including two Masters titles, Scheffler has drawn praise for his mental game as much as his physical talent. He leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green and has finished in the top ten in nearly every tournament he’s entered since early 2024.
Els emphasized that while many players show flashes of greatness, very few sustain it week after week. “Tiger made the game look easy, but it never was. What Scottie’s doing now—leading the field in key stats, staying composed under pressure, and consistently winning big events—that’s not a fluke. That’s greatness in action.”
Mental Fortitude
One area where Els sees a clear parallel is in Scheffler’s unshakeable focus. “Tiger had that tunnel vision, and Scottie has it too. You watch him and you can tell—he’s not out there to entertain or feed off the crowd. He’s out there to win, period.”
Scheffler’s calm presence and sharp self-awareness were on full display at the 2025 Players Championship, where he came from behind on Sunday with a flawless final-round 66. According to Els, that moment was reminiscent of some of Woods’ most memorable comebacks.
“He doesn’t panic. That’s the mark of a champion,” Els said. “When others start to feel the pressure, Scottie rises above it.”
Respect from a Peer
Ernie Els, who spent much of his prime battling Woods in majors and PGA Tour events, knows better than most what it takes to succeed at the highest level. His assessment of Scheffler carries weight—not just as a fan of the game, but as someone who competed against its greatest players.
“Look, I played against Tiger at his best. I know what that level looks like. Scottie’s right there now,” Els said. “He’s got the game, the mind, and the maturity. If he stays healthy, we could be talking about him in the same breath as Tiger for years to come.”
What’s Next for Scheffler?
With two majors already under his belt and more than a dozen PGA Tour victories before the age of 30, Scheffler is well on his way to building a Hall of Fame résumé. As golf’s new standard-bearer, he’s drawn admiration not only from peers like Els, but from fans worldwide who appreciate his quiet excellence and laser focus.
While the Tiger Woods comparison may feel like a heavy mantle to bear, Scheffler has remained humble. In past interviews, he’s often downplayed personal accolades and emphasized team support, faith, and a strong work ethic.
Yet, as Ernie Els aptly noted, “There’s only one Tiger Woods. But what Scottie is doing right now? That’s about as close as anyone’s come in a long, long time.”
And for the golf world, that’s a thrilling prospect.
