Scottie Scheffler has always wanted to play. It all started with watching.
Scheffler was the No. 1 player in the world six years prior to winning the Dell Technologies Match Play. Scheffler was the No. 1 player in the world and felt fortunate to be able to attend Austin Country Club his sophomore year at Texas. This was the most difficult of his four years at college.
Even back then, there was a purpose.
Scheffler stated, “I would always watch someone.” “I can remember watching Rory McIlroy hit balls on the range. I also remember hearing the sound that his club head made hitting the ball. It was quite shocking. It was like, “Wow, this was hit really well.”
“I remember just watching those guys and trying to learn as much as I could from them. There are so many talented men out there and I’m sure there was a lot I could learn from them. Any tidbit that I could pick up was going to prove beneficial.”
Randy Smith has seen it all before.
Smith, the PGA Hall of Fame professional at Royal Oaks, Dallas, has had 10 years of experience working with juniors who have gone on to play on The PGA Tour. Scheffler was six when his family moved from New Jersey to join Royal Oaks. Smith still can recall a small boy who would hide in a trashcan.
He remembers mainly how he used to want to hang out with the pros.
Smith stated Sunday evening that Smith was not talking about mini-tour pros. Smith said that Smith was always around tour pros at age 8, 9, and 10. It was quite funny. He would sit there as a sponge. He would sit down with a shag bag and then go off to try it. He was having a great time with the guys and challenging them to chip, putt and compete.
Scheffler, who was a winner at all levels, experienced his lowest point in his sophomore year at Texas. He lost his growth spurt in highschool, now at 6’4″, and he had trouble hiding in a dumpster. His arms suddenly became longer. There were also back injuries.
His only Top 10 finish was ninth in the Big 12 Championship, after being named NCAA freshman year of the Year. He was unable to get the ball into play. Scheffler described it to be a long year.
Smith stated, “That was hell.” Smith said that his body was not feeling right. Children go through a growth spurt. There’s pain, muscle growth, and other things that don’t work.
Scheffler’s greatest assets were his ability to feel his hands and his creativity. He also never lost his desire to win.
Smith stated, “Give him the left-handed set clubs and he will find a way beat you.”
It was about the chance to win, not where it might take him, even as he won trophies at college, junior golf and now at the highest levels. Scheffler believed he could be No. Scheffler is ranked No. 1 in the world. He never sees beyond the next shot, round, or tournament.
Scheffler stated, “It’s something I wanted to achieve and believed that I could do.” “I grew-up at Royal Oaks. Because I wanted to become a professional golfer, I grew up in long pants. I always dreamed of being out there.
He didn’t care as much about not winning his 60th start as a PGA Tour Member. It was a great experience for him to compete, and that was enough to bring him joy.
He won the tournament three times in six weeks and was ranked No. He was No. 1 in the world, and his head was spinning trying take it all in. Scheffler did not realize that the top ranking was at stake until Saturday.
Scheffler was able to feel rare emotions after the win. After so many hugging sessions with Meredith, his parents and in-laws, as well as his sisters, friends, and family, he was still shedding tears. One moment was especially poignant between Scott and his father.
He told his son, 25, “You’re quite good at golf,” he said. I’m prouder of you than your golf. You are a great young man.”
It was even more sweet when Scheffler won in Austin. Scheffler received a degree in business administration from McCombs School of Management in just four years. He also works hard at the library. It was a win for his hometown. It was also redemption for last year’s Match Play, where he finished second.
Oh yes, it is No. No. 1 in the entire world.
Scheffler, who was choking up at the trophy presentation, said that “I never really got this far in my dreams.” I just love playing golf. I love to compete. You know what? I love competing.
Smith was there in Austin for the Match Play, and then he returned home. He works with juniors that are no larger than Scheffler. He can still remember the boy who sat on the Royal Oaks range and took in the shots, while imagining himself doing the exact same.
Smith stated, “It’s not about the past six weeks. It’s the past 18 years.” Smith said, “We can talk about golf swings. He’s smart enough to think about it. He could be something very special.”
