The PGA Tour's Player of the Season award is a hot topic, and I've got some strong opinions on who deserves the recognition this year. While Scottie Scheffler has had an impressive run, I believe there's another golfer who's truly earned the spotlight.
The Case for Cameron Young
Let's start with the facts. Scheffler, the world number one, has had a solid year with eight top-five finishes and four runner-up spots. But here's the catch: he's only won once in 2026. That's a far cry from his dominant streak of winning 15 events in just two years.
Now, enter Cameron Young. Young's performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. He's had two wins and four top-five finishes, including a close second-place finish at The Open. But it's not just the numbers; it's the story behind them. Young's breakout year started before the major championship season even began. He beat Matt Fitzpatrick at The Players, a significant win for any golfer. And let's not forget his impressive top-five finish at Bay Hill and his T3 finish at The Masters.
A Deeper Look at Scheffler's Season
Scheffler's season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He's been consistently good, but not quite at the level we've come to expect from him. His struggles with the driver at the beginning of the year and the inconsistent iron game are telling. It's like he's been searching for that perfect swing all season. And when he finally found it, the putter seemed to disappear. It's a fine line between winning and losing, and Scheffler just couldn't quite get over that line this year.
Why Young Deserves the Spotlight
In my opinion, Young's performance this year has been more impressive than Scheffler's. He's shown a level of consistency and a willingness to learn and adapt. His ability to recover after losing form at the PGA Championship is a testament to his mental fortitude. And let's not forget, if Scheffler had won those playoff holes against Fitzpatrick and Hovland, we'd be talking about a very different season for him.
Young's season has been a true testament to his skill and dedication. He's proven that he can compete with the best and has the potential to dominate in the future. While Scheffler's past success might make him a favorite for the award, I believe it's time to give Young the recognition he deserves. He's earned it, and his performance this year is a clear indicator of his potential to become a dominant force on the PGA Tour.
The Bottom Line
While Scheffler's season has been solid, it's Young who, in my view, has truly earned the Player of the Season title. His consistent performance, impressive wins, and ability to adapt make him a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. It's time to shine a light on the new talent and recognize the future stars of the PGA Tour.
