Is Scottie Scheffler the Best Ever? Red Flags in South Africa and the $1 Million Golf Membership
In today’s episode of Chipping In, Ollie and Ewan dive into the dominance of Scottie Scheffler, the technical secrets of the short game, and the brutal reality of the global professional tours. From the high-altitude challenges of South Africa to the most exclusive golf clubs in the world, the pair break down a week of high-stakes finishes and provide a few tips for the weekend’s betting.
The Dominance of Scottie Scheffler: Is He the New Tiger?
Following Scheffler’s clinical ninth victory of the year at the Hero World Challenge, the discussion turns to his place in history. Porter notes that while Scheffler has been world number one for over 80 consecutive weeks, he still has a decade-long mountain to climb to match Tiger Woods’ longevity. However, the stats are frightening: Scheffler, who ranked 139th in putting from inside 10 feet last year, led that same statistic in the Bahamas thanks to a new claw grip. The panel suggests that if his putting continues to match his elite ball-striking, he may truly become "unstoppable" for the foreseeable future.
Technical Secrets: Hitting Down to Go Up
Addressing a viewer-submitted video of a miracle "off the concrete" trick shot, Porter provides a crucial lesson for amateur golfers. Contrary to intuition, Porter explains that golf is a "game of opposites"—to make the ball go high, you must hit down on it. Most amateurs attempt to lift the ball into the air, which leads to thinning the shot and inconsistent contact. The hosts also touch on the importance of "ego-free" club selection, suggesting that amateurs should play with half-shots and fewer clubs to build the feel and control seen in players like Adam Scott.
The $1 Million Membership and New Zealand’s Elite Gems
Looking ahead to 2025 travel plans, the hosts highlight New Zealand as a premier global golf destination. Beyond the public-access beauty of Queenstown’s Jack’s Point and Millbrook, the conversation shifts to the ultra-exclusive Tara Iti and Te Arai. Porter reveals that joining such clubs can now cost upwards of $1 million, featuring a "play once and stay" rule for non-members. The panel also proposes a business idea for the region: a Top Golf in Queenstown, noting the lack of a proper driving range in one of the world’s most famous adventure capitals.
Red Flags: The Promotion "Shambles" in the Asian Tour
The episode doesn’t shy away from controversy, specifically regarding the culmination of the International Series in Saudi Arabia. Porter expresses his frustration with the promotion system to LIV Golf, describing it as a "shambles." Joaquin Niemann won the series despite only playing two of the ten events, as the final Saudi event was worth significantly more points. This effectively "stole the thunder" from players like John Catlin and Ben Campbell, who had grinded all season. Porter argues that the highest eligible player should always receive the promotion to ensure the year-long effort is rewarded.
The "Seven-Shot" Penalty and Tips for the Weekend
In one of the more bizarre stories of the week, Anthony Quail finished third in Australia despite a staggering seven-shot penalty for incorrectly taking preferred lies four times. The hosts also preview the upcoming week:
- Grant Thornton Invitational: The pair of Tony Finau and Nelly Korda are heavy favourites, but keep an eye on the "approachable" stars of the LPGA Tour like Lydia Ko and Jason Day, who look to defend their title.
- Leopard Creek (Alfred Dunhill Championship): Porter tips Tristan Lawrence as a local favourite, noting his success at altitude. Silton leans towards the class of Charl Schwartzel, one of the most successful players in the tournament's history.
- PGA Tour Q-School: A "brutal" field featuring veterans like Nick Watney and Garrick Higo—whose career trajectory has taken a wild turn since his early success alongside Scottie Scheffler.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
