PGA Tour Announces 2024 Player and Rookie of the Year Nominees
The PGA Tour has unveiled the nominees for its prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award (Player of the Year) and Arnold Palmer Award (Rookie of the Year). Among the top contenders for Player of the Year are Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy, while rookies Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp, and Matthieu Pavon are in the spotlight for the rookie honors. Voting closes on December 4th, with the winners to be announced by the year’s end.
Jack Nicklaus Award (Player of the Year) Nominees
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy, a three-time recipient of the Jack Nicklaus Award, has had another steady year. With two victories at the Zurich Classic and the Wells Fargo Championship and seven top-10 finishes, McIlroy has once again demonstrated his staying power. His sixth-place finish in scoring average (69.91) and consistent play across 19 events make him a worthy nominee.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele delivered an unforgettable season, winning the first two majors of his career—the PGA Championship and The Open. He was a model of consistency, finishing in the top 10 in 15 out of 22 events and extending his remarkable made-cut streak to 56 tournaments. Schauffele’s major performances, especially his final-round 65 at Royal Troon to claim the Claret Jug, have made him a strong contender for the award.
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1, is chasing his third consecutive Player of the Year title, following a season that can only be described as historic. Scheffler won seven tournaments in 2024, including the Masters, Players Championship, and the FedEx Cup. He also claimed Olympic gold in Paris and won the Byron Nelson Award for the lowest scoring average of the year at 68.65. With 16 top-10 finishes in just 19 events, he has solidified himself as one of the most dominant players of the modern era.
Arnold Palmer Award (Rookie of the Year) Nominees
Nick Dunlap
In the Rookie of the Year race, Nick Dunlap’s record-breaking season stands out. The 20-year-old made history as the first player to win on the PGA Tour as both an amateur and a professional in the same season, and his victories at The American Express and the Barracuda Championship were complemented by two additional top-10 finishes and a place in the BMW Championship.
Max Greyserman
Max Greyserman came close to victory multiple times, finishing runner-up at three events, including the Wyndham Championship, 3M Open, and Zozo Championship. Despite not securing a win, his steady play over 26 starts and top-50 FedEx Cup finish keep him firmly in contention.
Jake Knapp
Jake Knapp’s debut season was highlighted by a win at the Mexico Open and three additional top-10 finishes. Although an injury slowed his momentum late in the year, Knapp showed great promise throughout his rookie campaign.
Matthieu Pavon
Matthieu Pavon, the only rookie to qualify for the Tour Championship, also had a stellar year. The Frenchman’s win at the Farmers Insurance Open and top-five finishes at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and U.S. Open showcased his ability to compete under pressure. Pavon’s consistency in just 19 starts earned him a FedEx Cup ranking of 17.
With such a strong lineup of contenders, both awards are expected to spark lively debates among PGA Tour members. The winners will join an elite list of past recipients, cementing their place in golf history.
