Scottie Scheffler’s resume was already impressive. Ryder Cup champion in the United States, PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, low amateur in the 2017 US Open, and a 59. Then he won a Tour event two weeks ago in Scottsdale. It was never a question of if, but rather of when. Now he’s on the lookout for his second victory.
“Winning is really a wonderful feeling for me. “It was so much joy for me and my wife that the money earned never crossed our minds,” Scheffler said at a press briefing at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on Tuesday. “It’s just being out here competing and being able to win a tournament is really satisfying.”
Scheffler, who is now ranked No. 6 in the world, has made four races in 2022 and has yet to finish outside the top 25.
“Now is a great time to play golf.”
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes Not only is the Players Championship coming up next week, but the year’s first major is also approaching. Scheffler finished 18th in the 2021 Masters and 19th in the November 2020 edition.
He isn’t looking too far ahead, though.
“With the Players Championship, Match Play, and the Masters coming at this time of year, it starts to get into those bigger events.” “We have a lot of significant events coming up, including this one,” Scheffler added. “This time of year, the weather is pleasant. So come on over; the golf course is in excellent condition. The rough is quite beneficial. This week will be a wonderful test for us.”
He made his first Arnold Palmer Invitational participation in 2020, finishing in a tie for 15th place, but he had prior experience at Bay Hill as an amateur.
On Wednesday, Connor Black and Scott Scheffler defeated the East 5&4 in the morning foursome matches at the 2012 Wyndham Cup at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando. (Golfweek/Tracy Wilcox photo)
“That was a long time ago” (laughter). I just remember coming here and playing the golf course being so much fun. When asked about the 2012 Wyndham Cup, Scheffler commented, “We watched it so many times on TV, seeing Tiger win this tournament and make his putts on 18.” “It was simply extremely fantastic coming here and being able to play on the same grounds where all that type of historic stuff had transpired.” It was quite generous of them to invite us to play this golf course.
“Down here, we had a terrific time. The motel was right on the putting green, so everyone stayed there. I spent a lot of time on the practice putting green with all the guys, just having some fun competitions. It had been a great week.”
Palmer’s mystique still pervades Bay Hill, with his renowned umbrella stationed at the driving range and his statue next to the 10th tee acting as a mecca for fans wishing to remember their visit to one of the country’s most famous courses.
Scottie Scheffler reacts on the second green at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando during the third round of the 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Image courtesy of Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Even if it was only for a brief encounter, Scheffler got the distinction of meeting the golf legend.
“I met him in passing once at a tournament.” I didn’t have much of an opportunity to spend time with him. When I think about Arnie, the first thing that comes to me is his golf swing. It’s sort of fun seeing his follow through and seeing the way he played golf, playing so aggressively and with a strange swing, as someone who doesn’t have a great golf swing like myself. I hold him in high regard.”
The young man from Dallas, Texas, is in the perfect frame of mind for this week.
“You must play boldly to win,” Palmer always emphasized.
