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Scheffler expressed that being mentioned alongside Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Nick Faldo is a tremendous honor. “It’s really special,” he stated.
As the reigning champion of the Masters, there are numerous benefits that come with the title. For one year, you have the privilege of wearing the iconic green jacket whenever and wherever you please.
Booking a tee time at Augusta National becomes a breeze. Additionally, you have the privilege of selecting the menu for the champions dinner.
But to win the Masters for a second consecutive year is an even more exclusive achievement. Each year, the previous year’s champion is reminded that only three golfers have ever accomplished this feat. It truly places you in a league of your own.
Scottie Scheffler was interviewed on Tuesday and was asked about his chance to join the illustrious trio of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. He expressed how special it is to be mentioned in the same breath as them, but clarified that it wasn’t a motivating factor for him.
Scheffler understands how difficult it is to put together four stellar rounds at Augusta National, let alone do it two years in a row. Despite this, he is currently the betting favorite alongside Rory McIlroy, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The 26-year-old Texan is ranked No. 1 in the world for a reason. He has already secured two victories this year and has finished inside the top 12 of his last nine events. The last time a player arrived at the Masters with such heightened expectations of a repeat was Jordan Spieth in 2016.
Scheffler attempted to make it feel like any other week leading up to the Masters, coming out early on Sunday to play a round with his sister, Callie, on his bag. However, memories and reminders of his victory last year are still present.
He expressed how cool it is to have a “Lifetime Exemption” by his name and hopes to have the opportunity to come back to Augusta National for many years to come.
In 2001 and 2002, Woods accomplished the rare feat of winning back-to-back Masters tournaments. When asked what it takes to achieve this, he cited familiarity with the course and all its intricacies as the most important factor. Woods noted that Scottie Scheffler, who has a chance to join the illustrious trio of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, knows how to play Augusta National.
Having a knowledgeable caddie is also crucial. Ted Scott, who was Bubba Watson’s caddie for his two Masters victories and was with Scheffler last year, is a valuable asset in navigating the course’s variables such as wind, gusts, and lies. Scheffler’s second-round 67 last year gave him a five-shot lead going into the weekend, and he ultimately won by three strokes.
Despite his victory, Scheffler’s life hasn’t changed much. He still drives the same car, a 2012 Yukon X with around 190,000 miles, and lives in the same house with his wife. His only indulgence is buying a high-end bottle of tequila after each win. However, Scheffler hopes to add to his collection after this year’s Masters.
Spieth’s collapse in 2016 serves as a reminder to Scheffler that previous wins and world rankings don’t guarantee success. Spieth had a five-shot lead with nine holes to play but ended up finishing three shots back, handing the victory to Danny Willett. Scheffler recognizes that his No. 1 ranking is just a “math algorithm” but acknowledges that it puts pressure on him to defend his title.
