Another major championship means another opportunity for Scottie Scheffler, and as the 29-year-old world No. 1 prepares for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, he’s already well on his way to adding another significant chapter to his career. Scheffler, who claimed his third major title at the PGA Championship in May, is among the favorites to win this week.
Winning a fourth major would further cement Scheffler’s place in golf history. With 16 PGA Tour victories and three majors under his belt, a win at the Open Championship would add to an already impressive resume that includes a major win in each of the last three years.
A win would also leave him just one major shy of the career grand slam, a feat only accomplished by legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
However, while Scheffler’s accomplishments are undeniable, he doesn’t seem overly focused on the historical implications. In a recent news conference, he admitted that winning, although enjoyable, doesn’t provide lasting fulfillment.
The Ephemeral Nature of Victory
“It’s great to win tournaments. It’s a lot of fun,” Scheffler told reporters. “Sometimes, the feeling only lasts about two minutes, it seems like, when you’re celebrating, and then it’s like, OK, now you’ve got to go do all this other stuff, which is great, but sometimes the feeling of winning only lasts a few seconds. It’s pretty exciting and fun, but it just doesn’t last that long.”
Scheffler’s approach, which has led to his rise as one of the best golfers in the world, seems rooted in a mindset that balances a hunger for success with an ability to let go of the fleeting nature of victory. This philosophy allows him to focus on his next challenge without getting bogged down by the pursuit of accolades.
Patience on the Course
It’s not just Scheffler’s mindset off the course that has helped him, but also his patience and composure on it. His PGA Championship win in May exemplified this.
After a lackluster start to the tournament, Scheffler remained calm and focused, methodically working his way back into contention. His ability to stay in the moment was crucial as he closed strong, securing the win despite early setbacks.
“When I stepped on the tee on Thursday, I’m not thinking about what’s going to happen on Sunday,” Scheffler said after his victory. “I’m preparing for a 72-hole event. That’s what I tell myself on the first tee: it’s 72 holes. That’s a lot of time. That’s a lot of holes. That’s a lot of shots.”
His patience has garnered praise from his peers, with Tiger Woods even comparing Scheffler’s mindset to his own, recognizing the value of long-term focus and not getting caught up in the rush for quick results.
What Truly Fulfills Scottie Scheffler?
Despite his success, Scheffler’s primary focus in life isn’t on his golf career. His faith, family, and personal values are what provide him with real fulfillment. As he stated, winning is satisfying but doesn’t give him a sense of deep inner fulfillment.
“To get to live out your dreams is very special, but at the end of the day, I’m not out here to inspire the next generation of golfers. I’m not out here to inspire someone to be the best player in the world because what’s the point? This is not a fulfilling life.
It’s fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart.”
Scheffler’s perspective sets him apart from others who might be more driven by the historical stakes of golf. It’s clear that, for him, the game is about personal growth, family, and faith rather than simply collecting trophies.
Looking Ahead to the Open Championship
As the Open Championship approaches, all eyes are on Scheffler. With his current form, he has the chance to win his first Open and add another major to his already impressive collection.
But as Scheffler has made clear, it’s not the titles or the records that bring him true joy — it’s the journey, his personal values, and the people he holds dear.
Whether or not he wins this week, Scottie Scheffler has already proven that he’s capable of greatness both on and off the course. The challenge now is to stay grounded and continue his meteoric rise without losing sight of what truly matters.
