Scottie Scheffler's Unprecedented Top-10 Streak Concludes at Riviera
In the world of professional golf, Scottie Scheffler has firmly established himself as a dominant force, yet he remains hesitant to accept comparisons with the legendary Tiger Woods. Despite his modesty, the statistical evidence tells a compelling story of consistency that rivals the greatest players in the modern era.
A Record-Breaking Run of Excellence
Scheffler recently completed an extraordinary streak of 18 consecutive top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, a feat that stands as the longest such run in the modern era. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous records held by golfing icons Vijay Singh, who had 12 consecutive top-10s, and Tiger Woods, who managed 11. The streak, which spanned an impressive 11 months, showcased Scheffler's unparalleled consistency and skill on the course.
During this period, Scheffler's performance was nothing short of stellar. In 2025, he secured six victories, including major championships like the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, while maintaining a scoring average of 68.13. His success continued into 2026 with a win at The American Express, solidifying his position as the world's top-ranked golfer.
The Riviera Interruption and Scheffler's Candid Admission
The historic streak came to an end at the Riviera event, a tournament owned by Tiger Woods with a $20 million purse. Scheffler entered the competition as the world No. 1 but faced challenges on a course he described as having a "weird relationship" with. Despite feeling a sense of belonging at Riviera, he had never fully validated his performance there.
In the first round, Scheffler shot 3 over par and had to battle just to make the cut. Although he showed improvement over the subsequent rounds, finishing tied for 12th at 11 under par, it was not enough to extend his top-10 streak. With this result, the legendary run concluded, highlighting the unpredictable nature of golf even for its top performers.
Tiger Woods' Perspective on Scheffler's Dominance
Long before the Riviera event, Tiger Woods had already expressed his admiration for Scheffler's abilities. In December 2025, prior to the Hero World Challenge, Woods provided a detailed analysis of what sets Scheffler apart from his peers on the Tour.
"Well, there's nothing you can't like about Scottie," Woods stated. "What he's doing on the golf course is just incredible, the consistency day in and day out, the strategy, how he attacks the golf course."
This endorsement carries significant weight, coming from a player who held the world No. 1 ranking for 683 weeks. Woods' comments reflect a deep understanding of the dedication and skill required to achieve sustained success in professional golf.
Scheffler's Reluctance to Embrace the Comparison
Despite the accolades and statistical parallels, Scheffler has consistently downplayed comparisons to Tiger Woods. At the Tour Championship in August 2025, as discussions about his streak intensified, he addressed the topic directly.
"It's very silly to be compared to Tiger Woods," Scheffler asserted. "I think Tiger is a guy who stands alone in the game of golf, and I think he always will. Tiger inspired a whole generation of golfers."
Scheffler's perspective is shaped by a personal experience playing alongside Woods at the 2020 Masters, where both were 11 shots behind with little to gain. He recalled watching Woods read every putt with intense focus, regardless of their position on the leaderboard. This moment left a lasting impression on Scheffler, influencing his approach to competition by emphasizing the importance of intensity in every round, shot, and tournament.
The Legacy of Consistency and Future Prospects
Scheffler's 18-event top-10 streak not only sets a new benchmark in modern golf but also sparks broader conversations about legacy and performance. While he may shy away from comparisons, his achievements place him in an elite category alongside legends like Woods and Singh.
As the golf world reflects on this ended streak, it underscores the challenges of maintaining peak performance over extended periods. Scheffler's journey continues, with his resilience and skill promising more thrilling moments ahead, even as he navigates the shadows of golfing greatness.
