Scottie Scheffler Joins Jack Nicklaus & 4 Others in Elite List After Victory at The Open

Achieving three different major championships before your 30th birthday? That’s the kind of accomplishment that puts you in golf’s most exclusive company. This rare feat represents years of dedication, countless hours of practice, and the ability to perform under unimaginable pressure.

Scottie Scheffler dominated Royal Portrush last weekend. He claimed his fourth major championship with a commanding victory at The Open. Subsequently, Nicklaus Companies posted a congratulatory message celebrating this milestone. According to the post, Scheffler had accomplished what only 5 other golfers had managed to do before him. “With his fourth overall major championship victory, he joins Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth in the list of players to capture three legs of the Grand Slam before the age of 30″. For many, this list evokes memories of the Tiger Woods era, a time when early dominance wasn’t just rare, it was redefining what greatness looked like in the modern game.

Scottie Scheffler’s dominant performance at Portrush also helped him join another short list of players who’ve won the Masters, the PGA Championship & the Open before turning 30. Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player & Tiger Woods are the only other names in this exclusive list. The World No.1 will have a golden opportunity to nab the U.S. Open next year on his 30th birthday.

The 2026 edition of the U.S. Open will take place at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Just like Scheffler, Spieth is also in hot pursuit of his fourth major, the PGA Championship, to complete the career Grand Slam. Among those who reached this milestone early, Rory McIlroy’s name still stands out.

McIlroy once owned the spotlight, now Scheffler’s rise redefines golf’s next era

Other than Scheffler, Rory McIlroy was the most recent player to achieve this rare milestone. He secured three legs of the career Grand Slam by the age of 25, beginning with his breakthrough win at the 2011 U.S. Open. “I’m three legs toward completing the career Grand Slam at 25. So, I’m feeling pretty good right now,” he said after lifting the 2014 PGA Championship trophy. At that point, many believed he would rule the sport for years to come.

But one major, the Master’s, has stayed out of reach. As the years have passed, the chase for that green jacket has followed him, adding more pressure each season.

Scottie Scheffler’s rise has looked different. He doesn’t make much noise, but he delivers results. “I try to be as mentally tough as possible…My edge is when I get kind of immersed in the joy of competition. Going out there and playing and doing what I love is typically when I play my best golf,” he said.

After his win at The Open, many praised his steady focus and calm mindset. “His dominance was attributed… to a mindset focused on process over results,” and “his composed rebound from a double bogey… highlighted his mental resilience.” While Rory once grabbed headlines with big wins and big expectations, Scheffler is now showing what consistent, focused greatness really looks like.