As the sun set on the PGA Tour’s thrilling season, Scottie Scheffler emerged from East Lake Golf Club not just as a champion, but as a record-breaker, clinching the FedEx Cup and a staggering $25 million prize.
Scheffler’s victory at the Tour Championship in Atlanta was the cherry on top of an extraordinary year that saw him claim seven wins, a feat not seen since the days of Tiger Woods. This triumph not only solidified his status as one of the game’s elite players but also nearly doubled his earnings for 2024, setting a new Tour record.
The Tour Championship was a spectacle not just because of Scheffler’s dominance but also because of the unprecedented prize money at stake. Even the last player in the field walked away with a substantial $500,000, highlighting the significance of the event.
Honesty is the best policy?
However, the most talked-about moment came courtesy of Sahith Theegala, whose self-imposed penalty became one of the costliest in recent golf history.
Theegala’s integrity shone brightly on Saturday afternoon when he called a penalty on himself after noticing a slight movement of sand during his backswing in a fairway bunker. Despite the incident going unnoticed by everyone, including the cameras, Theegala’s conscience prompted him to alert his playing partner and the rules official. The result was a two-shot penalty and a double bogey on the hole.
“I wouldn’t be able to sleep [if I didn’t call the penalty],” Theegala confessed after the third round, showcasing the depth of his sportsmanship.
Despite the setback, Theegala’s resilience was on full display as he rallied with seven birdies on the back nine, including five in a row to close out his day. His impressive 7-under 64 on Sunday secured a solo third finish, earning him a $7.5 million pay chrque. However, without the penalty, Theegala would have tied with Collin Morikawa for second place, netting him an additional $2.5 million.
Pay cheque plus respect
Theegala, who won his first Tour event last season at the Fortinet Championship, added another top-10 finish to his resume and secured a spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup team. His actions on the course not only cost him financially but also earned him the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.
In the end, Theegala walked away with more than just a pay cheque; he walked away with the respect of the golfing world and a clear conscience, proving that integrity is priceless.