Even after he had climbed to the highest of the world rankings, there have been some doubts about Scheffler’s recreation.

The statistics proved he was the perfect from tee to inexperienced. In addition they proved he was among the many worst with the putter.

A name was made to English placing guru Phil Kenyon – whose shopper record is a who’s who of main champions – in a bid to enhance with the flatstick.

Consideration was notably paid to Scheffler’s studying of the greens and rising the soundness of his grip.

Switching to a claw grip – the place the fitting hand acts as a pincer decrease down the shaft – has reworked Scheffler into probably the most dependable putters within the recreation.

The tweak helped him turn out to be the primary participant to defend the PGA Tour’s Gamers Championship, win a second Masters, Olympic gold and 5 different titles in a stellar 2024 that additionally had echoed Woods.

Main the placing statistics after three rounds at Portrush, having holed 97% of his putts inside 5 toes and 90% of these inside 10 toes, put him in command. He holed putts of 14, 15 and 16 toes on Sunday.

“[The grip] was one thing we examined out final yr and felt snug from the beginning,” Scheffler mentioned.

“I take advantage of it as we get nearer to the opening, lag placing. Exterior of 15 to twenty toes, I am nonetheless placing standard.

“It was one thing we felt may assist us enhance, and up to now it has.”

Whereas improved placing has taken Scheffler to Woods-esque heights, will it assist him transfer nearer to replicating Woods’ achievements over the long run? That continues to be to be seen.