In a surprising and humorous comparison that took social media by storm, a viral post highlighted an astonishing statistic: since 2022, professional golfer Scottie Scheffler has racked up more wins in Charlotte, North Carolina, than the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The tally—Scheffler with 15 victories and the Panthers with 14—sparked both amusement and debate, underscoring the golfer’s dominance and the Panthers’ recent struggles. The post, which gained traction on May 18, 2025, following Scheffler’s latest triumph, has become a talking point for sports fans across disciplines.
The Viral Moment
The statistic first gained widespread attention after Scheffler’s victory at the PGA Championship on May 18, 2025, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. The world No. 1 golfer clinched his first PGA Championship title with a commanding five-shot victory, finishing 11-under par. This win marked his 15th PGA Tour victory since 2022, a remarkable feat for the 28-year-old Texan. In contrast, the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte’s beloved NFL franchise, have managed 14 wins over the same period, a reflection of their challenging seasons.
The comparison, captioned simply “Wins in Charlotte since 2022: Carolina Panthers: 14, Scottie Scheffler: 15,” was shared widely online, with fans and commentators marveling at the juxtaposition of an individual golfer outperforming an entire professional football team. The post, credited to the PGA Tour, was later deleted, but not before it ignited a firestorm of reactions, from playful jabs to defensive retorts from Panthers supporters.
Scheffler’s Charlotte Dominance
Scottie Scheffler’s rise to golf superstardom has been nothing short of meteoric. Since his first PGA Tour win in 2022, he has amassed an impressive 15 victories, including three major championships. His latest triumph at Quail Hollow, where he outplayed competitors like Jon Rahm with key birdies on holes 14 and 15, cemented his status as the world’s top golfer. Scheffler’s success in Charlotte, particularly at Quail Hollow—a course known for its challenging layout—has made him a local favorite, even as his win count overshadows the city’s NFL team.
The statistic, while tongue-in-cheek, highlights Scheffler’s consistency and dominance. His 15 wins since 2022 include high-profile events like the Masters, the Players Championship, and now the PGA Championship, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. For Charlotte, a city passionate about its sports, Scheffler’s achievements have brought a different kind of pride, even if they’ve come at the expense of a good-natured jab at the Panthers.
The Panthers’ Struggles
For the Carolina Panthers, the comparison serves as a stark reminder of their recent challenges. Since 2022, the team has struggled through a series of rebuilding seasons, with a combined record that reflects their 14 wins. The 2022 and 2023 seasons were particularly tough, marked by coaching changes, quarterback uncertainties, and a roster in transition. While the 2024 season showed signs of improvement under new leadership, the Panthers have yet to recapture the success of their earlier years, such as their 2015 Super Bowl run.
The viral post, while humorous, stung for some Panthers fans, who took to social media to defend their team. Some pointed out the inherent differences between golf and football, with one user humorously noting that Scheffler doesn’t have to face “300-pound linemen” on the fairway. Others embraced the jab, acknowledging the team’s struggles while expressing hope for a brighter future.
A Tale of Two Sports
The comparison between Scheffler and the Panthers is, at its core, a playful exercise in sports banter. Golf and football operate on vastly different planes—an individual sport versus a team game, with different schedules, stakes, and challenges. Scheffler’s 15 wins represent his personal triumphs in tournaments, while the Panthers’ 14 wins reflect the collective effort of a 53-man roster over three NFL seasons. Yet, the statistic resonates because it captures a moment of convergence in Charlotte’s sports landscape: one star shining brightly while a team searches for its spark.
The post also underscores the power of social media to amplify quirky narratives. What began as a lighthearted meme became a viral sensation, with fans across golf and football weighing in. Some celebrated Scheffler’s dominance, while others rallied behind the Panthers, urging the team to “keep pounding” despite the jab. The PGA Tour’s decision to delete the post suggests an awareness of its potential to stir controversy, but the statistic had already taken on a life of its own.
Charlotte’s Sporting Identity
For Charlotte, a city with a growing sports scene, the Scheffler-Panthers comparison is a moment of reflection. Scheffler’s success at Quail Hollow has put the city on the map as a golfing destination, while the Panthers remain a cornerstone of local pride, despite their recent struggles. The viral post, while cheeky, highlights the diversity of Charlotte’s sports culture, where a golfer’s individual brilliance can momentarily eclipse a football team’s collective efforts.
As Scheffler continues to dominate the PGA Tour and the Panthers work toward a resurgence, the “wins in Charlotte” meme will likely remain a humorous footnote in the city’s sports history. It’s a reminder that in sports, comparisons—however unlikely—can spark conversation, laughter, and even a bit of friendly rivalry.
Looking Ahead
With his 15th win in Charlotte, Scottie Scheffler shows no signs of slowing down. His next challenge will be maintaining his dominance as the golf world turns its attention to upcoming majors. For the Panthers, the focus shifts to the 2025 NFL season, where they hope to add to their win column and silence the memes.
In the meantime, the viral comparison has given fans of both sports something to talk about. Whether you’re cheering for Scheffler’s birdies or the Panthers’ touchdowns, one thing is clear: Charlotte’s sports scene is as vibrant—and unpredictable—as ever.
