Not Going to Get Away’: Scottie Scheffler’s $62M Run Under Fire As 3x Major Champ Reignites PGA Tour Playoffs Debate

“I think it’s silly.” – said a dissatisfied Scottie Scheffler back in August. What could he have been possibly referring to? The current World No. 1 had voiced his complaint against his fate coming down to one tournament despite the dominant run he had the whole year. However, many including Rory McIlroy did disagree with him. And now, it seems the golfer’s $62 million run (Read as Scheffler’s earnings) despite the unfavorable situation he found himself in at the TOUR Championship seems to be in the crosshairs again. But this time, it’s all thanks to none other than Padraig Harrington.

The golfer was spotted talking to the media ahead of the PGA Tour Champions season-ending finale on November 6. “There’s nothing left to chance this week, so it really does feel like the big final event of the year,” said the senior pro after expressing his excitement at being able to play at the Phoenix Country Club. “Obviously this year with so many people in contention, they’ve certainly got the system right with 10 guys having the ability to win this week.” Interestingly, a total of 36 senior professionals including Harrington will tee off at the event on November 7, Thursday.

“The playoff system looks like they know what they’re doing,” added the 53-year-old athlete before going ahead to give his set of approval to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship format. Unlike Scottie Scheffler, he didn’t seem to be taking a jab at the Playoffs format. “We always question these playoffs and things, but I think out here on the Champions Tour if you play well enough during the year, you can get yourself a great lead coming into this. You get rewarded for that.”

What did he mean by that? Interestingly enough, although anyone in the field can end up winning the final event, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, only a few have the chance to emerge as the Charles Schwab Cup champion. And this format, unlike the PGA Tour Playoffs does provide a benefit for those who perform well, all the while enabling those behind to catch up as well. “Clearly, with double points on play and bigger prize money, you also can challenge from behind,” added Harrington. He was alluding to how each dollar bills mean double the points for the last three Playoff events on the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

And this benefit, surprisingly enough, has allowed many, including Harrington, to catch up to Ernie Els, who is at the No. 1 spot on the standings. The 53-year-old managed to win the Simmons Bank Championship allowing him to win double the figure of $365,000 as points, helping him climb to the fourth spot. “I won’t say he wasn’t rewarded,” said the pro while hinting at how close the competition is because of the format. “But he needs to win as well this week. He’s not going to get away with not winning.”