Who Is the Number 1 Golfer in the World? (2025)

By Sarah Miller · January 28, 2034

As of October 2025, Scottie Scheffler is ranked as the number 1 golfer in the world according to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The American has consistently delivered elite performances since first claiming the top spot in 2022, combining remarkable consistency, multiple PGA Tour victories, and strong showings in major championships.

Current World Number 1 Golfer: Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler ascended to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking in February 2022 and has maintained his position through sustained excellence. His ability to perform under pressure, especially on the PGA Tour, has solidified his status as the leading player globally. With multiple wins per season and a disciplined approach to course management and putting, Scheffler exemplifies modern golfing dominance.

Key Reasons for Scheffler's Top Ranking

Consistent top-10 finishes across PGA Tour events
Multiple tournament victories, including a second Masters title in 2024
Superior performance in strokes gained: total
Strong record in World Golf Championships and major championships
Leadership in global points-based ranking systems

Understanding the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR)

The OWGR is the primary system used to rank professional male golfers worldwide. It is calculated based on players' average performance in tournaments over a rolling two-year period, weighted by field strength and tournament importance.

How the OWGR Works

Ranks players based on performance in official sanctioned events
Points are awarded based on finishing position and event prestige
Results are averaged over a 104-week (two-year) window
More recent results have higher weighting in the calculation
Stronger fields distribute more ranking points

Player	Country	OWGR Rank	Ranking Points	Tournaments Played	Avg. Points Per Event
Scottie Scheffler	USA	1	9.87	21	0.470
Jon Rahm	Spain	2	8.56	19	0.451
Rory McIlroy	Northern Ireland	3	8.23	20	0.412
Viktor Hovland	Norway	4	7.95	22	0.361
Xander Schauffele	USA	5	7.64	18	0.424

Table data source:Official World Golf Ranking

The data shows Scottie Scheffler leads not only in total ranking points but also maintains a high average points per event, reflecting consistent elite performance. While Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy remain close competitors, Scheffler’s combination of volume and quality of results gives him a narrow edge. The ranking underscores the importance of both winning and frequent high finishes in maintaining the top position.

Recent Performance Highlights

Scheffler's reign at number one has been marked by key victories and standout performances:

Won the 2024 Masters Tournament, his second green jacket
Finished runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Open
Secured three PGA Tour wins in the 2024–2025 season
Top-5 finish at the 2024 Open Championship
Represented the U.S. in the 2023 Ryder Cup with a 3–1 record

Challenges to the Top Spot

While Scheffler remains dominant, several players continue to challenge for the number one ranking:

Rory McIlroy: A four-time major champion who remains a threat in every tournament he enters
Jon Rahm: Known for his power and precision, Rahm frequently contends in majors
Viktor Hovland: One of the most consistent players on tour with strong ball-striking metrics
Xander Schauffele: Delivered a breakthrough major win in 2024 and continues to climb

Despite these challenges, Scheffler’s mental toughness and short game proficiency give him an edge in tight situations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Number 1 Golfer in the World

Who is currently ranked number 1 in golf?

As of October 2025, Scottie Scheffler holds the number 1 position in the Official World Golf Ranking. He has cycled in and out of the top spot since 2022 but remains the highest-ranked player due to consistent elite performances on the PGA Tour and in major championships.

How is the world number 1 golfer determined?

The world number 1 golfer is determined by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), which calculates a points-based average from tournament performances over a two-year period. Factors include finishing position, field strength, and tournament prestige. The player with the highest average points per event is ranked number 1.

Has Scottie Scheffler won a major championship?

Yes, Scottie Scheffler has won two major championships, both at the Masters Tournament—in 2022 and 2024. His victory in 2022 marked his breakthrough on the biggest stage, and his 2024 win confirmed his status as a clutch performer under pressure.

How long has Scottie Scheffler been number 1 in the world?

Scottie Scheffler first became world number 1 in February 2022. As of October 2025, he has spent over 100 weeks in the top position, making him one of the longest-reigning number 1 golfers in the past decade, though not consecutively.

Can Rory McIlroy reclaim the number 1 ranking?

Yes, Rory McIlroy can reclaim the number 1 ranking if he maintains a high win rate and performs strongly in elite-field events. As of late 2025, he remains within striking distance of Scheffler in the OWGR, and a major victory or back-to-back PGA Tour wins could propel him back to the top.