The Golfing Year 2024: Leadership Shifts, Triumphs and Setbacks

The golfing year in 2024 was marked by a mix of triumphs, heartache and turbulence. While on-course brilliance flourished, off-course drama also made headlines. Americans dominated the men’s majors with Scottie Scheffler leading the charge. Scheffler won his second Masters title at Augusta, cementing his place at the top. He also captured the Players Championship and the Heritage, dominating early in the year.

Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele claimed his first major at the US PGA Championship and Bryson DeChambeau earned his second at the US Open, overcoming Rory McIlroy’s late collapse. In the women’s game, Nelly Korda stood out, winning five consecutive LPGA events and securing her second major at the Chevron Championship. However, her hopes for a third major faltered dramatically at the US Women’s Open where she suffered a disastrous 10 at the 12th hole.

Lydia Ko ended an eight-year major drought with a victory at the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews. Amidst the on-field drama, significant changes occurred behind the scenes. Guy Kinnings took over from Keith Pelley as the DP World Tour’s chief while Mark Darbon replaced Martin Slumbers at the R&A. The PGA Tour faced controversy as commissioner Jay Monahan endured pressure amid talks with Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, US Ryder Cup players finally received payment for their participation.

Tiger Woods, though not a major contender, continued to be a significant presence in the game. He struggled at Augusta and the other majors, undergoing further back surgery. His absence from the Ryder Cup was notable with the captaincy going to Keegan Bradley. However, Woods maintained his legacy with his son Charlie’s hole-in-one at the PNC Championship standing out as one of the year’s heartwarming moments.

Golf mourned the loss of key figures such as Ryder Cup veterans Peter Oosterhuis and Brian Huggett. The sport also remembered PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray and broadcaster Mark Carnevale. The golfing year reflected a mix of enduring passion for the game and increasing commercial pressures. These pressures continue to shape the sport’s future amidst the highs and lows.