Golf icon Tiger Woods has been crowned the most influential figure in the global golf landscape for 2024, according to a ranking released by ESPN on Tuesday. Woods topped the list of 25 individuals, reaffirming his status as a living legend in the sport.
However, despite his influence, Woods struggled on the course this year. He withdrew from the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational and missed the cut in the remaining three major tournaments. His only four-round completion came at the Masters in April, underscoring his significant performance issues.
Scottie Scheffler, the current world No. 1 in men’s golf, was ranked second on the list. Scheffler’s impressive year included seven PGA Tour victories and a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Bryson DeChambeau, this year’s U.S. Open champion, claimed third place, while Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland took fourth.
Nelly Korda, the top-ranked women’s golfer, rounded out the top five. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, secured sixth and seventh places, respectively.
Xander Schauffele, with two major wins this year, ranked eighth, while Jon Rahm, who made his debut in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, placed ninth.
Lydia Ko, the New Zealand golfer of Korean descent who clinched gold in women’s golf at the 2024 Paris Olympics, rounded out the top ten.
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