Scottie Scheffler's enjoyment makes time fly by
Top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler recognizes that time can have a deceptive effect on the mind, as he returns to Scottsdale, Arizona for the WM Phoenix Open this week.
Scheffler has been victorious in this tournament twice, including his first win on the PGA Tour in February 2022.
"It's a strange feeling because it seems like ages ago, but at the same time, it feels like I just started out here. It's a strange balance," Scheffler stated on Wednesday. "I really can't put it into words because I think back to, what was it, three years ago? It feels like you could have told me it was 30 years ago or three months ago, and I wouldn't know the difference. That's just how life is sometimes."
Time has flown by as Scheffler has achieved unparalleled success, earning three consecutive PGA Tour Player of the Year awards.
The 28-year-old compared this feeling to the birth of his son.
"... I can't recall much of what life was like before Bennett came, and it feels like he's been with us forever, but he's only 9 months old," Scheffler shared. "I think that's just how life is. I'm extremely pleased with how things have turned out here, and it's been a blast. I hope to continue playing golf here for a long time."
Since joining the tour in 2020, Scheffler has claimed victory 13 times, including two Masters and two Players Championships. He has also won all four majors, with nine runner-up finishes and 10 third-place finishes. He has made the cut 112 out of 131 times. Last summer, he won the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games and the season-long FedExCup title in the fall.
However, he takes a comprehensive approach, acknowledging that he loses more often than he wins. It's the nature of the sport, and it motivates him to be more competitive and strive for greater success.
"Golf is a game where I believe you're constantly failing. Sometimes it seems like as golfers, we enjoy the punishment, enduring the challenges of this game and striving to bring out the best in ourselves," he explained.
"That's why I focus so much on my approach and my attitude, mentally preparing myself, because that's what makes a successful week for me. If I'm prepared and have a positive attitude, that's what I strive for when I go out and play. If I can maintain that over 72 holes and play decent golf, then I'll have a chance," Scheffler added.
He credits his family, friends, and a team of coaches and others for their support.
"There are times when I need to be called out, and other times when I'm doing things the right way," Scheffler said. "But overall, I think having a great support system out here has been one of the most crucial aspects of my journey on the PGA Tour."
Scheffler missed most of last month due to a hand injury from a cooking accident during the holidays. Last week, he tied for ninth in his season debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Overall, Scheffler was content with his performance, acknowledging that he may still need to shake off some rust. He feels very comfortable at TBC Scottsdale, known as "the People's Open," and enjoys the challenge of competing against the golf course and the lively atmosphere, especially at the 16th hole.
Reflecting on how things have changed, Scheffler remarked that when he first played in this tournament, not many people knew who he was when he reached the 16th tee. Now, during practice rounds, spectators chant his name.
"It's amazing to be in that environment and have people cheering for you," Scheffler shared. "But the cheers immediately stop if you miss the green or don't make birdie, so that part is a bit tough."
"As players, I think this is a special week. It's a lot of fun. As I mentioned, I have great memories of this tournament, so every year when I come back, those memories come flooding back," he added.
