Scottie Scheffler talks Presidents Cup, upcoming match vs. LIV duo

Prior to embarking on a December showcase that will generate buzz in the golf community, Scottie Scheffler has a different type of team event to attend at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

The top-ranked player in the world, who had a remarkable season with a Masters victory, a Players Championship win, an Olympic gold medal, and his first FedEx Cup, is preparing for his second Presidents Cup, which begins on Thursday.

Scheffler was a member of the U.S. team that triumphed in the 2022 edition of the event at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, N.C. This extended the Americans' winning streak over the International team to nine consecutive events.

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However, following the Americans' disappointing performance at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, Scheffler is leading the team in Montreal in an attempt to avoid another defeat on foreign soil.

"That's probably why you saw me so emotional after the Olympics. I truly take great pride in representing my country," Scheffler stated on Tuesday. "I've had the opportunity to do it a few times, and it's a very special experience.

"Competing on foreign soil and striving to bring back the Cup will be quite enjoyable."

Scheffler stated that he is more focused on being himself rather than being a team leader for the U.S. This week, he is joined by the second-ranked player in the world, Xander Schauffele, major champions Collin Morikawa and Wyndham Clark, future Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, and other American stars who, on paper, have an advantage over the International side.

"What's the benefit? The score is 0-0," Scheffler said in his typical manner. "My job is to go out in the first match and give it my all to earn a point for our team. Other than that, I don't think about whether we are favored to win the match or not. My job is to win - all I can do is try to win one point in Thursday's match."

Scheffler also addressed his involvement in a made-for-TV match that will pit him and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy against LIV Golf's Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau in Las Vegas this December. Although the specifics have yet to be finalized, it is expected to be similar to previous editions of "The Match," which have featured professional golfers and celebrities.

"My manager handles a lot of that stuff," Scheffler said. "When he first brought it up to me, I thought, 'Yeah, it sounds like fun.' I've partnered with Brooks and Bryson at Ryder Cups before. I've never had the opportunity to play with Rory at the Ryder Cup, but those are two guys I really miss competing against.

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"It piqued my interest, and the way things came together, it seemed to work out nicely. It appears to be a fun event."

Scheffler stated that he did not play a role in spearheading the PGA vs. LIV match, and that any past animosity towards the players who defected to LIV did not factor into his decision to participate in the match.

"There are so many moving parts in that deal," Scheffler explained. "It's one of those situations where my friendships with the guys out there haven't really changed that much. I believe that in the beginning, when some of the guys were suing us, it was a bit frustrating for the players out here, but over time, those things fade away. I don't believe there was a lot of animosity towards that type of situation."

There is no doubt that Scheffler will be looked up to by his American teammates throughout the week.

"It really motivates me to see other guys on the team who want it so badly and for it to mean so much to them," Sahith Theegala said. "I know it's been well-documented, but Scottie winning the Olympics for the U.S. was a huge deal. There's no bigger event than representing your country."