Golf's 'Tiger' Woods challenged: Scheffler eyes all-time PGA earnings record

Scottie Scheffler captured his 21st PGA Tour victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, pocketing $3.6 million and moving within striking distance of Tiger Woods's all-time earnings record. Woods has held the top spot for 26 years, accumulating $120,999,166 since his 1996 debut. Scheffler's recent win propelled his career earnings to $119,964,411, placing him just $1.04 million behind the legendary golfer.

With two more lucrative playoff events on the schedule – the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship – Scheffler is widely expected to break Woods's record. As the current FedEx Cup rankings leader, Scheffler is guaranteed entry into both events. Even a top-10 finish in each of the remaining tournaments would likely be enough to surpass Woods, given the substantial prize money involved. The Tour Championship alone offers a $10 million prize for the winner.

Scheffler's dominant performance at TPC Southwind saw him finish 17-under-par 263, an impressive eight strokes ahead of second-place finisher Kim Si-woo. This victory marked Scheffler's second win of the season and his first since the American Express in January. The tournament also held personal significance for Scheffler, as it was the site of his PGA Tour debut in June 2018.

"I've learned a lot through the years playing this course," Scheffler said after his win. "I'm proud to finally lift the trophy here." The significant increase in PGA Tour prize money over the years, with regular tournament purses rising from around $5-6 million in the 2000s to $20 million this year, has contributed to the changing dynamics of career earnings. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, who was previously second in earnings, dropped to third after a disappointing finish at the St. Jude Championship.

“

I've learned a lot through the years playing this course. I'm proud to finally lift the trophy here.