Introduction to Golf’s New World Order
Rory McIlroy, not so long ago the crown prince, summed up the evolution of his sport’s new world order over the last two years and defined the philosopher/warrior/king of golf in the bargain. There is Scottie Scheffler, the first player in a hundred years to win each of his first three majors by at least three strokes after the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. And then there is everybody else. “He is the bar we’re all trying to get to at this point,” said McIlroy, who finished seven shots back of Scheffler’s 17-under 267. “Hat’s off to him. An unbelievable player, a great champion and a great person, too.”
The Rise of Scottie Scheffler
Hard enough to win 11 tournaments and an Olympic gold medal since the start of 2024, elevating his play above his peers and into comparisons with a pantheon of golf’s greats. He manages all that, and he’s a great person, too? Because of the way Scheffler’s dominated his peers, you can draw comparisons to Tiger Woods if you’d like. He’s inserted himself in the conversation. His 11 straight top-10 finishes ties him with Tiger’s streak in 2007-08. He’s the sport’s greatest closer, now 10-0 when leading after 54 holes. The only difference between Scheffler and Tiger on Sundays? A red shirt.
A New Era in Golf
“I don’t think we thought the golfing world would see someone as dominant as Tiger come through so soon,” said defending champ Xander Schauffele, who finished tied for seventh. Before he’s done, the 29-year-old Scheffler might even rank alongside Tiger and Jack Nicklaus as the greatest ever, though becoming the fifth man to win a career grand slam before the age of 30 might come with an asterisk. His 30th birthday is on the final day of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock. But, if I’m reading Scheffler right, he’s not really too concerned about his mark on history. In that sense, he’s less Tiger or Nicklaus than the next Byron Nelson.
The Philosopher/Warrior/King of Golf
Lord Byron, who won a record 11 tournaments in a single season, famously gave up golf once he’d made enough money to buy the North Texas ranch he’d always wanted. Nelson had many fine qualities as a golfer, but quality of life remained his ultimate goal. I couldn’t help thinking of Byron last week while listening to Scheffler. Before adding the claret jug to his PGA Championship title from this year and his green jackets from Augusta National in 2022 and 2024, Scheffler startled golf fans with a rare glimpse behind his affable if stoic demeanor. His philosophies on competition and life, uncommon for a pro athlete, much less anyone under the age of 30, became the fodder for more than sports pages.
Scheffler’s Philosophy on Life and Golf
In short, Scheffler, a devout Christian, believes golf is his calling, but winning gives him little satisfaction. Not like being a husband to Meredith, his Highland Park High sweetheart, and 1-year-old son Bennett. A couple minutes of joy, maybe, then it’s on to the next tournament. He wonders not only what drives him to be the best when the feeling doesn’t last, to the point where he questions if his drive is really a good thing. Asked Sunday how he retains such a sense of equilibrium while posting the third-lowest 72-hole score in Open history, he smiled and said, “I’m not really sure. I’m called to compete the best I can. I don’t really think about it too much.”
The Importance of Family
Here’s what he was thinking after sinking a putt that gave him four sub-70 rounds and put him a step closer to golf immortality: Where’s my family? Bennett’s faceplant as he tried to climb the 18th green to get to his adoring father illuminated the question Scheffler asked last week: What’s the point? This is the point, that the greatest golfer in the world still knows what matters most. No, Scottie, there’s nothing wrong with being driven to win. Not if everything else in your life is in order. Remember that lesson, kids.
Conclusion
Scottie Scheffler is a force to be reckoned with in the golf world, and his philosophy on life and golf is a breath of fresh air. He is a reminder that there is more to life than just winning, and that family and personal relationships are just as important as professional success. As he continues to dominate the golf world, it will be interesting to see how he balances his drive to win with his commitment to his family and his faith.
FAQs
Q: Who is Scottie Scheffler?
A: Scottie Scheffler is a professional golfer who has won several tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the Open.
Q: What is Scheffler’s philosophy on life and golf?
A: Scheffler believes that golf is his calling, but winning gives him little satisfaction. He values his relationships with his family and his faith, and believes that these things are more important than professional success.
Q: How does Scheffler balance his drive to win with his commitment to his family and faith?
A: Scheffler has said that he tries to focus on the present moment and not get too caught up in his desire to win. He also prioritizes his time with his family and makes sure to stay connected with his faith.
Q: What is Scheffler’s goal for his golf career?
A: Scheffler has said that he wants to be the best golfer he can be, but he also values his personal relationships and his faith. He has not stated a specific goal for his career, but it is clear that he is driven to succeed.
Q: How can fans follow Scheffler’s career?
A: Fans can follow Scheffler’s career by checking out his social media accounts, including Twitter, where he is @KSherringtonDMN. They can also find more golf coverage from The Dallas Morning News.
