Scottie Scheffler defied expectations at the 88th Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Despite golf being a tough sport and the competition fierce, he managed to excel beyond what was anticipated of him. As play progressed under the shadowy embrace of loblolly pines, several competitors shared an equal score – among them Scottie himself. However, he understood better than anyone that his time for victory would come soon enough. He had already demonstrated that once before: once determined to win, nothing could stand in his way.a
It wasn’t a week of spectacular performances resulting in the infamous Augusta National runs. Instead, it was characterized by endurance as many succumbed to the challenging course and weather conditions or pressure from their pursuit. Yet amidst this, an unassuming superstar stood unfazed and controlled his game effortlessly. As a result of his impressive display, Scheffler secured another Masters title.
“It’s difficult to express how significant this is,” Scheffler stated following his four-shot victory, thanks to a final-round score of 68. “It was an arduous and lengthy week filled with challenges due to the demanding nature of the golf course, but being able to win once more while wearing this jacket and bringing it home holds immense meaning for me.”
“Scheffler has been labeled as ‘special’ lately due to his consistently measured and total game, which can sometimes appear slow-paced in the most positive sense. His only flaw is that his unwavering kindness combined with outstanding performance may seem dull. He isn’t a recklessly adventurous cowboy who saves the day by taking risks; instead, he’s like a Navy Seal completing missions seamlessly without drawing attention. Although it may not be thrilling, that’s exactly what makes him exceptional.”
On the other hand, those who possess the rare ability to master this incredibly difficult game may see it as a curse. This is because they are expected to perform flawlessly each time and failing even slightly can result in disappointment from others. Rory McIlroy would certainly agree with this sentiment.
Scheffler understands this pressure all too well. In 2022, he displayed outstanding ball-striking skills that led him to secure 17 top-10 finishes out of his total 23 starts – an achievement only surpassed by Tiger Woods himself! However, despite such success on the field, most reports focused instead on his struggles with putting throughout spring and summer months which culminated during Ryder Cup where he went winless (0–2–2) in four matches played. Although Scheffler isn’t particularly worried about these obstacles hindering future successes at present moment still there’s genuine concern whether or not someone so talented could be held back due solely upon poor performance while using one part(putter).
Although the concerns were present heading into Georgia, they were put on hold. This was due to the belief that while Augusta’s greens are challenging, they levelled the playing field between skilled and unskilled players of golf clubs. Furthermore, Scheffler had already secured a win by claiming victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a margin of four strokes. He also made history by being recognised as the first player ever to defend their Players Championship title in subsequent weeks after winning it initially.
Even more remarkable was the image and prestige he had begun to establish. As Scheffler’s name ascended up the leaderboard on that Sunday at The Players, eliciting little surprise from Wyndham Clark who earned second place finishes at both Bay Hill and Sawgrass– “Well, obviously,” he said. It seemed as though Scheffler’s success had become an undeniable reality similar to a high school romance destined for heartache.
Scheffler commented on his recent success by expressing confidence in his golf game. He acknowledged that he feels more emotionally stable than ever before, and believes this is a positive step forward for him as both a person and golfer. While noting the impressive results of the past few weeks, Scheffler emphasized staying focused on moving forward rather than dwelling solely on previous accomplishments.
Inevitability is not a concept trophies are familiar with, especially when it comes to the green jacket. The history of Amen Corner in this tournament proves that fact. Scheffler found himself only one stroke ahead of Collin Morikawa while Max Homa and Ludvig Aberg were also close behind. Despite three days of U.S. Open-like conditions leading up to this point, there was no guarantee for excitement or drama on the course – something thrilling for everyone but challenging for those seeking victory. In theory, anything could happen; nothing was guaranteed at all times during play.
The feeling wasn’t evident in the galleries. The audience is a reflection of what they witness and, therefore, always aware. Sunday embodied the essence of Augusta National – sunny with mild winds, patrons dressed in Easter pastels and cigar smoke permeating through the air. Although respectful towards players on course, crowds at Augusta are knowledgeable about golf; well aware of whom they come to watch.
During the third hole, when Scheffler scored a birdie to increase his lead by two points, one of the men in their group proposed that they should walk back because “the game is already won.” On the sixth hole, a spectator joked with Scheffler about wearing his green jacket from 2022 as an intimidation tactic against Morikawa. Another person responded humorously saying: “We wouldn’t be able to witness the ceremonial handover afterwards,” referring to last year’s tradition where the previous winner presents their best coat in sports awarding it to this year’s champion. The only thing left uncertain was how much higher would Scheffer’s win margin become?
In the present, there was uncertainty regarding the outcome. Scheffler’s ability to hit his ball accurately failed him initially as he missed four of the first seven greens. Although his opponents were not gaining ground at that time, Scheffler’s shortcomings provided a glimmer of hope for Aberg, Homa and Morikawa. However, they soon realized what other competitors of Scheffler have learned before: having hope can be detrimental in this game.
Scheffler, currently leading the tour in bounce-back birdies, augmented his count with a deft up-and-down from behind the green on the eighth. A near-eagle shot from 90 yards out resulted in an easy tap-in at nine. He continued with another excellent approach to within 10 feet of the hole on ten and finished it off without issue.
According to Scheffler, the birdie putt on 8 was the turning point of his momentum today. He hit two impressive shots that landed him long of the green and faced a challenging pitch to get within 10-12 feet from the cup. The putt itself required careful reading as it turned early but remained straight towards its conclusion. This success propelled him forward and helped in securing further birdies at holes 9 and 10 while keeping pushing for more opportunities throughout back nine given several skilled players were close behind, making pars insufficient to win this competition.
Just as Scheffler’s chasers reached the end of their round, Morikawa landed in a bunker and took two strokes to get out at the ninth hole. Meanwhile, Aberg made it through three-under until he hit water on hole 11 with an aggressive approach shot. Moriakwa then followed suit into the pond. Homa also struggled when his tee-shot ended up stuck in a bush resulting in five shots lost on hole 12. However, Scheffler played conservatively but effectively during Amen Corner proving that sometimes slow and steady wins the race.
To add to his impressive performance, Scheffler managed to reach the par-5 13th hole in just two shots. He then proceeded to hit an incredible approach shot on the 14th hole that landed only a foot away from the pin. And finally, he sealed his victory by sinking a nine-foot putt for birdie on the 16th hole. It turns out that there is indeed some exhilaration and energy in Scheffler’s game after all!
What can we say about Scheffler? Over the past 26 months, he has secured nine wins – two of which were Masters titles. This feat places him leagues ahead of his competitors, likening the distance he’s created to that between stars and making even the Grand Canyon seem minuscule in comparison. He isn’t merely a star; rather he is situated on stardom’s precipice as his name reverberates off echoing walls below. These echoes convey one thing: absolute greatness.
Morikawa was asked what Scheffler is doing differently, to which he replied, “Literally everything. He surpasses me in driving the ball far and hitting his irons perfectly with ease. His strategy of keeping things simple works well for him. In crucial moments, he nails his putts but even if he doesn’t, still manages to salvage opportunities because of how consistently excellent he’s been at avoiding trouble.”
According to Aberg, Scottie’s golf skills are astonishing and it is anticipated that he will be present during the final stages of a competition. He has continuously displayed his abilities which strengthens their team.
Homa praised his dedication and mental toughness, highlighting how he effortlessly handles challenging golf shots and approaches them with ease. While acknowledging his exceptional skill level, Homa believes this ability is truly what sets him apart – it’s like a superpower!
With respect in their voices, but also a sense of resigned confusion, they spoke. Though they gave it their all, it seemed pointless as there was no way to break down that brick wall.
Although his impressive two-year track record raises questions about his potential future success, Scheffler’s true appeal lies in the person he is behind the scenes. Despite being a competitive athlete with an uncontainable fire within him, Scheffler demonstrates vulnerability by revealing that his identity stems from family and faith. He admits to grappling with how much winning takes over his life but acknowledges it as part of who he truly is.
“I wish I didn’t have such a strong desire to win, both in the past and present. It would certainly make waking up in the mornings less challenging,” expressed Scheffler. “Yet, nothing quite compares to that euphoric feeling of emerging victorious. On the flip side, losing is simply unbearable for me. Especially during those pivotal moments on Sundays when I’m leading – my determination intensifies even more.”
The fire can become too intense at times. Two years prior, Scheffler had admitted that the weight of what could be was overwhelming on a Sunday morning and caused him great distress to the point where he cried like an infant. However, this year there were no tears shed or any concerns about being prepared for what lay ahead; yet it would be incorrect to assume that Scheffler was unaware of the stakes involved.
He confessed to feeling agitated and anxious throughout the week while acknowledging how challenging it would be – something made evident by his demeanor after Saturday night’s game. Despite casting a formidable figure with his imposing height, broad build, and piercing stare resembling someone who’d show up unannounced when rent is overdue- as soon as he stepped off 18th green post-game, all false illusions disappeared into thin air:
Scheffler appeared anything but frighteningly imposing due to bearing many invisible unseen weights upon mighty shoulders assumed along with grandeur looming over him continuously inescapable pressure exercised problematic impact inner beings causing significant slumps visible widely around us guiding our days away from fears creeping among humanity making everything disintegrate less than known expected ways”.
As the final putt vanished, Sheffler – typically composed – displayed an outpouring of emotion. With both fists clenched and a primal scream escaping his lips, it was apparent that something had shifted within him. Removing his hat, he greeted those around him with a beaming smile as brilliant as the emerald green grass underfoot. His silhouette represented someone who had freed themselves from immense pressure through sheer determination known only to himself; It served to remind us all of how easily we can perceive greatness when unaware of its accompanying struggles.
As he made his way off the course, Scheffler suddenly realized that his family had not caught up with him. He impatiently looked back and motioned for them to hurry along. To lead the group through the crowded area between the 18th green and clubhouse, Scheffler’s caddie Ted Scott proudly held onto a flagstick – an age-old tradition reserved only for winning caddies. Surrounded by thousands of spectators eager to catch a glimpse of their new golf kingpin, it seemed as though Scott was leading an exuberant parade through towards victory lane- which in essence he truly was!