Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele all enjoyed differing levels of success during the 2024 PGA Tour season.
Scheffler won multiple events, including The Masters, Players Championship, Tour Championship, and Arnold Palmer Invitational, pocketing over $60 million in prize money.
Scheffler’s numbers were Tiger Woods-esque, and the signs are ominous ahead of the 2025 campaign. As for Schauffele, the diminutive American finally broke his major duck at the PGA Championship before winning The Open at Royal Troon in impressive fashion.
Schauffele’s remarkable season was one for the record books, and the 31-year-old will be looking to emulate his success in the new year.
McIlroy’s wait for major number five goes on, however. The Northern Irishman’s heartache at the US Open appeared to impact him heading into the latter stages of the year, although his performance level was largely impressive.
Despite the PGA Tour trio performing at an elite level, some areas will undoubtedly be worked on during the off-season.
Here, The Golfing Gazette takes a look at what each player could improve based on their PGA Tour statistics from 2024.
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Scottie Scheffler putting improvement needed ahead of 2025 season
Scheffler’s partnership with putting guru Phil Kenyon has no doubt helped in 2024. Scheffler is now 76th in strokes gained putting after ranking 162nd in strokes gained putting during the 2022/23 season.
The world number one is now gaining 0.095 shots on the field with the flat stick. However, there’s still scope for improvement.
If Scheffler can break into the top 30 for strokes gained putting next year, he could prove nigh on impossible to stop.
Rory McIlroy must give himself more birdie chances
McIlroy must start giving himself more birdie looks with the flat stick next season. The Northern Irishman’s one-putt percentage of 42 is among the best on tour, which shows he’s more than capable of taking opportunities.
Unfortunately, the 35-year-old only finds green in regulation 65% of the time, which means that he ranks 122nd. McIlroy’s 60% driving accuracy is taking its toll, with wayward tee shots sometimes making life hard for the four-time major winner.
If McIlroy can tidy up his wedge game and hit more greens, he stands an excellent chance of success next season.
Xander Schauffele must get closer to the hole in 2025
Schauffele was one of the most consistent players during the 2025 season, and it’s hard to pick a fault in his game. At times, his driving was off the boil, but the issues were rectified almost immediately.
Furthermore, when it came to his putting, Schauffele appeared far more comfortable in pressurised situations.
However, one area where Schauffele could improve is his approach play. When it comes to proximity to the hole, Schauffele currently ranks 142nd on the PGA Tour.
If the American can decrease his current average of 38 feet, eight inches, more success will no doubt follow.
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