Scottie Scheffler is shaking things up, and it’s already paying off. The world’s top-ranked golfer tried out a new putting grip Thursday and shot an impressive 5-under 67 at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
It’s a bold move for someone who’s already had an incredible year. Scheffler won eight times in 2023, including an Olympic gold medal.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Scottie Scheffler
130
59
$71,793,586
But he’s not resting on his laurels.
“I’m always looking for ways to improve,” Scheffler said after his round. He’s now mixing between his regular grip and what’s called a “claw grip” – especially on shorter putts within 15 feet of the hole.
The numbers show why he’s experimenting. While Scheffler was absolutely dominant in most aspects of his game last season, his putting lagged behind. He ranked first on the PGA Tour in overall play, driving, and approach shots, but sat way down at 77th in putting.
Thursday’s results looked promising. He sank 54 feet worth of putts, ranking 10th among the 20-player field.
“I really enjoyed the way it felt,” Scheffler said about his new technique. “There’s just something different about trying things in actual competition versus practice at home.”
The timing isn’t random. Scheffler used last year’s Hero World Challenge as a springboard for his spectacular 2023 season. Now he’s hoping this putting adjustment might lead to even bigger things in 2024.
He’s currently sitting three shots off the lead, but with his track record at Albany Golf Club and this new confidence on the greens, that gap might not last long.
