He can hardly miss a target these days. Scottie Scheffler is on a roll. Whether on the golf course or on the podium at press conferences. After winning the Matchplay Championship, the American casually emptied a water bottle before effortlessly throwing it into a trash can a few meters away.
“A few days ago I threw a bottle next to it”, Scheffler admitted with a smile. The mood of the American could not be better. By winning matchplay in his native Texas, the 25-year-old moved up to number one in the world rankings.
Without great expectations for the Masters
So it’s no wonder that Scheffler is now one of the top favorites at the upcoming highlight: the prestigious Masters in Augusta, the first major tournament of the year. “I don’t have high expectations”said Scheffler recently.
And yet he enjoys the full attention after his recent appearances. He has long been considered a great talent. However, Scheffler had to wait until February for his first victory on the professional tour before he was at the top in Phoenix. This was followed by four more participations, two of which he completed with victories.
Comparisons to Tiger Woods don’t quite fit
After the recent triumph in his home town of Austin, Scheffler had tears rolling down the last green. The almost bear-like man made history. No golfer made it to first place in the world rankings faster than Scheffler after his first win on the professional tour.
“I don’t feel like number 1 in the world. I’m the same guy as before”, says Scheffler, who always seems to remain relaxed. Some are already comparing him to old master and legend Tiger Woods. But the comparison is flawed, because Woods was and always seems driven by the pursuit of perfection and the unconditional will to win.