Which golfers improved, declined most in 2024? Scottie Scheffler, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth among movers

As professional golf wraps up its 2024 season, players and fans alike reflect on a year marked by dramatic shifts in performance. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player, stood out by leading nearly every significant metric, including strokes gained, scoring average, and trophies won.

While his dominance didn’t translate to major championship victories—Xander Schauffele claimed that spotlight—Scheffler’s Olympic gold medal and triumph at The Players Championship highlighted a season of unparalleled consistency. Meanwhile, some established stars, such as Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, faced challenges.

Spieth’s year was marred by injuries and inconsistency, leading to missed opportunities and an absence from key playoff events. Fowler, after a promising resurgence in 2023, also struggled, though a late-season recovery offered a glimmer of hope for the five-time PGA Tour winner.

On the other side of the spectrum, emerging talents made their mark. Sahith Theegala transformed his driving game, catapulting himself into the ranks of the PGA Tour’s top drivers. Akshay Bhatia, armed with a new putting approach, secured his first win and emerged as a player to watch. Collin Morikawa showcased significant short-game improvement, while Keith Mitchell’s iron play propelled him to near victories.

However, setbacks were also evident, with players like Max Homa and Viktor Hovland facing struggles in key areas. As golf heads into the offseason, these stories of growth, decline, and resilience will undoubtedly shape the narrative for the upcoming year.