It may be difficult to believe, but there were 15 first-time winners on the PGA Tour in 2024. However, it was also a stellar season for the stars of the sport, including one of the best seasons of all-time.
A dominant year highlights men’s professional golf in 2024, but there was also a player breaking through for not only their first but two major titles, an epic showdown and comeback at the U.S. Open for another major moment in addition to the new stars showcasing they’re ready for their spot in the bright lights.
Without further ado, here’s the short list for Golfweek’s Male Player of the Year …
Honorable mention: Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele came into the 2024 season as the best men’s golfer to not win a major title. At the PGA Championship, he went to the 72nd hole tied with Bryson DeChambeau, needing a birdie to hoist the Wanamaker. His birdie putt hit the edge of the cup and curled in, and the monkey was off his back.
But Schauffele wasn’t done. He went to Royal Troon and conquered the links, winning the Claret Jug for his second major title in three months. In most years, Schauffele would be the player of the year. But 2024 wasn’t most years.
Honorable mention: Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau came into 2024 with a renewed mindset. His image had improved, and his popularity was skyrocketing as a result. When he contended at the Masters, his fan base grew louder. Then he finished second at the PGA Championship, and the question became when would he win another major? It seemed a matter of when, not if.
At Pinehurst No. 2, he led going into the final round but found himself down two shots with five holes to play. He played the closing stretch in 1 over, but the best up-and-down of his life on the 72nd hole was enough for a 1-shot victory and his second U.S. Open title in epic fashion.
Male Player of the Year: Scottie Scheffler
The first two months of the year were a “struggle” for world No. 1. His game was fine until he got on the greens. Then came a putter change along with a new instructor, Phil Kenyon. Then he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational the first week with the new flat stick. The next week, he stormed from behind on Sunday to win the Players, the first player to win it in consecutive years.
Then he won the Masters for the second time in three years. The next week, he captured the RBC Heritage. Then he added titles at the Memorial and Travelers. Then he won Olympic gold in Paris. Then his first Tour Championship. And he closed 2024 with a win for the second straight year at the Hero World Challenge.
Scheffler had nine victories in 2024, one of the best non-Tiger years in the history of the sport. And who knows what he’ll do in 2025 and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: 2024 Golfweek Awards: Male Player of the Year
