If one has been closely monitoring Scottie Scheffler’s golf performance, it is evident that his skill with iron clubs is quite impressive. He has demonstrated exceptional prowess on the PGA Tour, leading in SG: Approach the Green and achieving a remarkable 75% greens in regulation rate in 2024. His game appears remarkably smooth and effortless, as if he were leisurely strolling on the golf course. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that everyone is susceptible to errors and setbacks.
Let us delve into Scheffler’s performance at the recent RBC Heritage tournament. Following his triumphant victory at the Masters, Scheffler candidly acknowledged feeling mentally and emotionally fatigued leading up to the event. He also mentioned a lack of sufficient preparation, particularly in terms of mastering the greens, which left him feeling somewhat off his game.
There was a surprising turn of events on the 3rd hole, when Scheffler executed a particularly erratic shot. He shanked the ball at an almost unbelievable 45-degree angle, nearly landing in another bunker. Despite this far from perfect shot resulting in a double-bogey, Scheffler remained composed. In fact, he concluded the round with a two-under 69, extending his streak of consecutive rounds of par or better to 37.
What was even more remarkable was Scheffler’s candid admission regarding his proclivity for shanking shots. He disclosed that he frequently shanks the ball during practice, and even recounted instances from previous years where shanking occurred in various tournaments. Nonetheless, the impressive aspect is his ability to shrug off these mistakes and maintain his composure, a rare talent indeed.
Despite these imperfections, it is evident that Scheffler possesses an exceptional ability to rebound from errors and uphold his composure on the course. As he mentioned following his Masters victory, he feels in control of his emotions and is evolving as a golfer, which poses a challenge for his competitors.
While Scheffler may not be flawless, his capacity to overcome poor swings and rounds sets him apart as a golfer. It is this mental resilience that could potentially cement his status as an all-time great in the sport.
Scottie Scheffler’s journey in golf is undeniably captivating, and despite occasional mishaps, his unwavering composure and determination make him a formidable presence on the course. It is imperative to keep a keen eye on this rising star, as his potential for future remarkable achievements is boundless.
Authored by
Alan Bastable
Editor, GOLF.com