Scheffler crowns dominant season with FedEx Cup title

World number one Scottie Scheffler, aged 28, concluded his extraordinary season by triumphing in the PGA Tour's season-closing Tour Championship, thereby securing the $25 million (£19.05m) FedEx Cup title with a four-stroke victory at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on Sunday.

Scheffler commenced the final round with a five-stroke advantage over Collin Morikawa, but this lead diminished to two strokes following consecutive bogeys on the 7th and 8th holes. Nevertheless, he managed to recover and clinch his seventh victory on the PGA Tour this season.

He is the first golfer to achieve seven PGA Tour wins in a single year since Tiger Woods in 2007. His outstanding season also featured a Masters victory and an Olympic gold medal.

For the past two years, Scheffler had entered the Tour Championship ranked number one but had been unable to secure the FedEx Cup. Having led the standings for the majority of this year, he expressed his satisfaction in finally achieving this accolade.

"I try not to dwell on the past or overly focus on the future," he remarked.

"However, two years ago was quite challenging, as I had a substantial lead going into the final round but did not perform at my best and ultimately lost. Last year was also disappointing due to an off week."

"Thus, to enter with a lead for the third time and successfully finish is certainly gratifying," he added.

Scheffler started the week at 10 under par under the staggered scoring system employed for the season finale and concluded at 30 under after finishing with a 67.

In a standard format, Morikawa would have surpassed Scheffler by two strokes, and at one point, he applied significant pressure on his competitor.

Scheffler mishit a bunker shot on the eighth hole, resulting in his second consecutive bogey, while Morikawa made a birdie, narrowing the gap to two strokes.

However, as has often been the case, Scheffler did not allow these setbacks to shift the momentum significantly; he responded with three consecutive birdies starting from the ninth hole, and his eagle on the par-5 15th hole effectively put Morikawa out of contention.

Scheffler credited his caddie, Ted Scott, for assisting him in regaining his composure and ensuring the victory.

"The ninth hole marked a significant turning point," he remarked. "Teddy offered me an encouraging talk on the back of the eighth green, as I was feeling uncertain, thinking, 'This situation doesn't seem very promising right now.'

"His words motivated me, allowing me to execute a solid iron shot and gain momentum.

"He truly plays an essential role on the team. I doubt I could achieve any of this without his support."

Morikawa, who earned $12.5 million for his second-place finish, expressed satisfaction with his performance but acknowledged that Scheffler exemplified how to successfully conclude a golf tournament.

"Nothing seems to unsettle him. Whether I was making a push or he was extending his lead, his demeanor and approach to each shot remained unchanged," he noted.

"That is a valuable lesson. I believe his mental fortitude is stronger than many realize.

"It is remarkable what he has accomplished throughout this season and over the past three years. Observing his journey has been truly inspiring, and I hope to learn from it," he added.

Sahith Theegala secured third place, earning $7.5 million, finishing six strokes behind the leader, while Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, and Australian Adam Scott tied for fourth at 19-under.

Henley surged into fourth place with an eagle on the 18th hole, chipping in from 36 yards.