NAPA, Calif. — Scottie Scheffler Remembers His Rise
Scottie Scheffler, the current top golfer in the world, has not forgotten the time he was at the bottom. With the Ryder Cup approaching, the contrast of his triumphs serves as a powerful reminder of his rapid ascent in the sport. The day he arrived in Napa coincidentally marked exactly four years since he was chosen as a captain’s pick for his inaugural Ryder Cup.
A Memorable Phone Call
At that time, Scheffler was ranked 21st globally, trailing behind 13 other American players and had yet to secure a victory on the PGA Tour. Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker reached out to him with a life-changing phone call.
Reflecting on Early Success
“I think it was clear that I was probably the last person on the team,” Scheffler reflected. “When I got that call, I was anxious about whether it would bring good news or heartbreak.” He described the moment as emotional, ultimately receiving a call that filled him with joy.
A Historic Ryder Cup Performance
The Ryder Cup was a landmark event for the American team at Whistling Straits, resulting in a remarkable 19-9 victory, their largest over Europe. Scheffler played against Jon Rahm, then the world’s No. 1, and raced to an early 4-up lead by notching four birdies in just four holes. To this day, Scheffler treasures the yardage book cover from that event.
Scheffler’s Continued Success
Stricker noted that the final selection for the Ryder Cup came down to Scheffler, Sam Burns, and Patrick Reed, with Scheffler emerging as the favored choice due to his impressive play. Today, Scheffler’s accomplishments include being one of only five players in the past 75 years to achieve back-to-back seasons with at least six tournament wins.
Lessons from the Last Ryder Cup
Reflecting on his previous Ryder Cup experience, Scheffler recalls mixed emotions, particularly following a devastating loss with Brooks Koepka against Hovland and Åberg. “The last Ryder Cup didn’t go as I expected,” he admitted, yet it ignited a fire in him to improve, resulting in nine tournament wins the following year, including a Masters title.
Looking Ahead to Bethpage Black
As he prepares for the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Scheffler emphasizes the importance of preparation and diligence in his preparation. “We’re eager to compete and demonstrate our skills,” he mentioned, expressing excitement for the battles that lie ahead while acknowledging the weight of history in this prestigious event.
