The golfing world is abuzz with Grand Slam talk after Scottie Scheffler's commanding victory at the 2024 Masters. The American world No.1's dominant performance at Augusta National has experts wondering if he could achieve what only five players in history have managed - winning all four major championships in a single season.
The Ultimate Golfing Challenge
Winning golf's Grand Slam - comprising the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship in one calendar year - remains the sport's most elusive achievement. Only legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have come close in the modern era, with Woods holding all four titles simultaneously during his famous "Tiger Slam" from 2000-2001.
Scheffler's recent form makes him a genuine contender. The 27-year-old has now won three of his last four starts, including back-to-back victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship before his Masters triumph.
Nicklaus Weighs In
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who completed the career Grand Slam three times over, believes Scheffler has the game to challenge for all four majors. "When you're playing as well as Scottie is right now, you've got to think about it," Nicklaus commented. "He's got the complete package - great driving, superb iron play, and he's improved his putting dramatically."
However, Nicklaus cautioned that the pressure intensifies with each major victory. "The hardest part isn't the golf - it's handling the expectations and media scrutiny that comes with chasing history," the 18-time major winner added.
McIlroy's Pursuit Continues
While Scheffler eyes the calendar Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy's quest to complete the career Grand Slam enters its tenth year. The Northern Irishman needs only a Masters victory to join golf's most exclusive club, but once again came up short at Augusta.
McIlroy remains philosophical about his challenge. "These things can't be forced," he said after finishing tied-22nd. "I'll keep coming back until I get it right. Right now, Scottie's the man to beat in every tournament he plays."
The Road Ahead
Scheffler's next challenge comes at Valhalla Golf Club for the PGA Championship (16-19 May), where he'll attempt to become just the fourth player to win the first two majors of the year. The US Open follows at Pinehurst No.2 (13-16 June), before the Open Championship returns to Royal Troon (18-21 July).
Golf statisticians note that since the Masters began in 1934, only 14 players have won the year's first two majors. Just three - Craig Wood (1941), Arnold Palmer (1960) and Jack Nicklaus (1972) - converted that into three major wins in a season. None completed the Grand Slam.
As Scheffler prepares for his historic bid, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Texan as he attempts to carve his name into golf's record books.
