A Look Back at the 2024 Majors: Highlights and Unforgettable Moments
With the 2024 golf season in Scotland winding down, it’s a good time to review what has been a remarkable year for golf. This Major season offered memory after memory from the ridiculous to the sublime. Here’s our take on what has been an unforgettable season
The Masters: Augusta’s Allure
The 2024 Masters was another showcase of dominance by Scottie Scheffler at Augusta that earned him his second Green Jacket in three years. Scheffler entered the final round with a one-shot lead but had to hold off strong challenges from Ludvig Åberg, Collin Morikawa, and Max Homa. His composure was evident, even as he faced tense moments on the back nine.
Despite strong competition from Colin Morikawa and Ludwig Åberg, Scheffler’s consistency shone through in the closing stages. His birdie on 14, extended his lead to three shots, and solidified his position as the tournament favorite. Åberg, who played remarkably well over the four days, made birdie at the 18th to secure second place.
The 2024 Masters Scheffler’s highlighted Scottie’s mental toughness and on the 18th hole, he further showcased his poise with a masterful final putt that sealed victory by four strokes.
The tournament marked a bittersweet moment for commentator Verne Lundquist, as he delivered his
final broadcast at the Masters, bringing an end to a 40-year run.
PGA Championship: The Battle at Valhalla
The PGA Championship at Valhalla thrilled viewers worldwide. The event showcased exceptional talent and intense competition amongst the world’s best but wasn’t without incident.
Tournament favorite and world #1, Scottie Scheffler, was arrested on his way to the course on Thursday morning. The mugshot of Scottie in an orange jumpsuit shocked the golfing community and quickly resonated around the world. His ability to tee off a few hours later and post a respectable score highlighted his position as the world’s #1. In the end, it wasn’t enough and Xander Schauffele and Bryson Dechambeau fought out the Battle at Valhalla with Schauffele emerging victorious. But who can forget the anxiety as Bryson warmed up on the range for the expected playoff. Xander’s performance on the final hole was strategic and clutch; a well-positioned chip shot put him in a prime spot to tap in for birdie and claim his first major. Congratulations Xander!
U.S. Open: Triumph at Pinehurst #2
Perhaps the highlight of the 2024 Major season, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst kept viewers on the edge of their seats for the entirety of the final round as Bryson Dechambeau and Rory McIlroy fought out a battle for the ages.
Bryson started the final round with a three-shot lead, but after multiple lead changes, it was McIlroy who found himself with a two-shot lead with five holes to play. After three bogeys by Rory in the final 4 holes, it was Dechambeau who came to the last with a one-shot lead. Despite playing a wild tee shot that left him under a tree and in one of Pinehurst’s famous native areas, he was able to advance the ball to a bunker 55 yards from the hole. Playing perhaps the shot of the year, the SMU grad executed a remarkable up-and-down to save par and win the Championship for the second time. This was made more poignant given that it was twenty-five years since Payne Stewart (another SMU grad) won the U.S. Open at Pinehurst shortly before his tragic death.
The Open Championship: Royal Troon Delivers Drama
Royal Troon never fails to deliver drama, and this year was no different. Producing the kind of weather that leaves most of us huddled up in front of a warm fire, the competitors delivered memorable performances.
The 2024 Open had its share of storylines. Former major winner and Olympic Champion, Justin Rose, had to qualify for this year’s event and thrilled fans with an outstanding performance, while relatively unknown South African Thriston Lawrence took a two-shot lead on the Sunday front nine. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler double-bogeyed nine and eighteen to end any hopes he might have had of competing.
These stumbles opened the door for Xander Schauffele. Shooting a stellar final-round 65, that included a crucial four-under stretch from the notoriously difficult 11th to 16th, he secured his second major title of the season, with one of the best back nines in recent Major history. This allowed Americans to sweep the Majors for the first time since 1982. No doubt European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald was relieved that this wasn’t a Ryder Cup year!
Looking Forward to 2025
If 2025 lives up to the expectations created by the drama of 2024, we have another exciting year ahead. Please stay tuned to SGH golf as we follow next year’s events that will be held at Augusta National, Quail Hollow, Oakmont and the scenic Royal Portrush.
