GAINESVILLE, GAINESVILLE, GAINESVILLE, GAINESVILLE, GA No one knows Scottie Scheffler better than Sam Burns among his peers. Both three-time PGA Tour winners and top-11 players in the world, the 25-year-olds used to spar on the AJGA tour as juniors, and now they’re practically brothers as professionals, with Scheffler a newly minted world No. 1 and Burns having broken the top 10 for the first time last month.
Burns was the first person in the interview room at Augusta National on Tuesday afternoon, so a reporter naturally asked him what question he’d like transmitted to his pal.
“Ask him how his matches have gone so far this week,” Burns replied, grinning broadly. “Wow, that’s a great one.”
Burns is well aware that, while Scheffler appears to be even-keeled and uncomplicated on the outside, he harbors a ferocious competitive streak. They’re sharing a house in northeast Georgia this week, and after hard days of practice and money games as part of their Masters preparation, the competition spills over to cards and board games with their spouses each night.
Scheffler snuck in a cheeky jibe – “Sam who?” – when it was his turn to sit down, knowing the question was coming, before glossing over his match record this week – he has yet to win – in favor of highlighting his triumphs on the Sequence board.
“I’m not going to talk about golf since it didn’t go so well for me,” Scheffler said, “but I annihilated them at board games last night.”
When it comes down to it, Scheffler has crushed the competition on the golf field in recent months. He’s won three of his last six tournaments, including the WGC-Dell Match Play two weeks ago, and has suddenly risen from 15th to first in the world of professional golf.
Scheffler, who has six top-20 finishes in majors since the start of 2020 (tied for the most with Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm), is among the Masters favorites as he attempts to become the sixth player to win in his first start as the world No. 1 player. (Ian Woosnam was the only one of the previous five to win the Masters in 1991.)
Scheffler, on the other hand, isn’t keen on rankings or titles — at least not the intangible ones. He hasn’t visited the OWGR website since battling for a spot in the top 50. He’s also unconcerned that Tiger Woods has taken away the majority of the attention from Scheffler and his fellow contenders.
“I’m excited to prepare and play solid golf, execute strokes, and be in contention,” he said. “That’s what makes it enjoyable.”
As he makes his first start with that enormous target on his back, Scheffler’s philosophy and approach to the game should serve him well. In comparison to the Spieths and McIlroys of this sport, Scheffler still flies under the radar despite having a No. 1 in front of his name.
Maybe it’s because he doesn’t make things any bigger than they need to be. It’s a straightforward approach: play golf, compete for the win, and repeat. Allow the praises and awards to come to you naturally.
“I don’t put a lot of pressure on myself,” Scheffler remarked. “I don’t think about the future too much.” I’m a fierce competitor. So, for me, being present is typically the greatest option…. It’s as though if I look too far ahead, I won’t be able to prepare as well as I could. And if I stay in the moment, I won’t take anything for granted and will play the Masters as if it were my last.”
Burns admires Scheffler’s ability to transcend his golf ability. When he has a wedge – and apparently, cards – in his hand, Scheffler is merciless, but when he takes off his spikes, he is committed to being a caring husband, son, brother, and friend. He claims he still has to do his housework, and he hasn’t gone out much in recent weeks to see how much more admirers recognize him in public. He’s also not afraid to make fun of himself.
“I can assure you that he hasn’t changed a single bit,” Burns remarked. “I mean, he’s just being silly.” He’s a fun guy to hang around with when he’s not on the golf course. He simply unwinds and doesn’t take himself too seriously…. He’s a very sincere person who, after you get to know him, seems like he’d go out of his way to help you. That’s just the type of guy he is.”
Just don’t beat Scheffler in a game of Scrabble.
Burns remarked, “He’s one of the most competitive people I’ve ever encountered.” “Losing is something he despises.”
Scheffler strives to be the greatest in everything he does, whether it’s golf or board games.
He doesn’t require any form of ranking to know who he is.
