Golf legend Jack Nicklaus goes online to congratulate Scottie Scheffler

Jack Nicklaus says he likes the fact Scottie Scheffler doesn't make golf his priority. 

The 29-year-old American has been named the PGA Tour's player of the year, joining Tiger Woods as only the second man to win the award four consecutive seasons in a row. 

Scheffler won six times in 2025 - including the PGA Championship and The Open - and many believe his campaign was the most dominant since Woods' iconic 2000 season. 

Woods' 2000 season is widely regarded as the most dominant in the history of the men's game, with the golfer winning nine PGA Tour titles in a single season. 

He won three of four majors, averaged 68.11, held the world number one ranking wire-to-wire, and finished inside the top-10 in 17 of his 20 starts 

The following year, Woods completed the "Tiger Slam" by winning the 2001 Masters Tournament. 

Alongside his wins, Scheffler produced a PGA Tour-best 17 top-10 finishes as well as not missing a single cut. 

Nicklaus wrote on his personal Instagram page that Scheffler is "at the top of his game" and "arguably in a class by himself". 

The Golden Bear believes the fact Scheffler does not make the sport his top priority is ultimately what sets him apart. 

"Even with Rory McIlroy and his wonderful year – along with very talented and greatly improved Ben Griffin and inspiring Tommy Fleetwood – giving Scottie a run as finalists, it's very hard to overlook six victories in one year, including the Memorial Tournament and two majors," the 18-time major winner wrote. 

"Right now, Scottie is at the top of the game! Arguably in a class by himself. Although the PGA Tour today is filled with terrific players. Still, Scottie certainly shines at the top!

"Scottie doesn't make golf his major priority, and I like that approach. I think you live a much happier and healthier life that way.

"After all, golf is a game, and Scottie Scheffler sure does a great job at playing that game. Congratulations again, Scottie! Barbara and I are very proud of you!"

Scheffler opened up on his approach to the sport ahead of the final men's major of the year. 

He began his Open Championship week by questioning why the sport is even important to him. 

"This is not a fulfilling life," he said.

"It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment but it's not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart.

"There are a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfil them in life, and you get there, you get to number one in the world, and they're like, 'what's the point?'

"I really do believe that because, what is the point? Why do I want to win this tournament so bad? That's something that I wrestle with on a daily basis."

Scheffler said if golf started to impact his family life then he would quit the sport. 

"I'm blessed to be able play golf, but if my golf ever started affecting my home life or it ever affected the relationship I have with my wife or my son, that's going to be the last day that I play out here for a living," he added.

"This is not the be-all and end-all. This is not the most important thing in my life. That's why I wrestle with, why is this so important to me?

"Because I'd much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer. That's what's more important to me."