Scottie Scheffler’s Unique Reflections
LA QUINTA, California (AP) — Scottie Scheffler’s recent musings on a rather unusual topic—where he’d want his ashes scattered post-cremation—ruffled some feathers due to its darker undertones. However, the 27% tournament win rate over the past four years made his response a bit lighter. Without hesitation, he pinpointed the practice range at Royal Oaks, a place he frequents and feels at home.
Preparation and Performance
Scheffler dedicated time there before kicking off his season in the California desert, where he showcased his skills at The American Express tournament. For three days, he was a contender and, at one juncture, found himself leading by six strokes—a familiar scenario acknowledging his aptitude. His success isn’t merely a result of natural talent; it stems from relentless effort and rigorous preparation.
The golfer emphasizes his commitment to practice, whether it is refining his swing or enhancing his physical strength in the gym. After clinching a tournament win, he casually retrieves his ball from the hole, reminiscent of a casual day at Royal Oaks—then it’s back to his routine as he gears up for the next challenge.
“It’s like rinse and repeat,”
he remarked cheerfully from the 18th green on Sunday at PGA West.
Balancing Success and Burnout
The question arises: how long can this winning streak continue? While the thrill of victory is exhilarating, the relentless grind could lead to fatigue and burnout. But the comfort of the Royal Oaks range remains essential, where Scheffler first swung a club at the tender age of six under the watchful eye of coach Randy Smith.
Scheffler acknowledges the potential for burnout at elite levels but believes in maintaining balance.
“I’m fond of routine; I enjoy practicing and working out, ensuring I perform well,”
he said, explaining that his work ethic is driven by passion rather than outside pressures.
Yet, not all elements of his regimen are enjoyable. Early mornings in a cold tub and cardio workouts might not be celebrated, but they contribute to his competitive edge. He passionately insists on the importance of practice over sheer joy in lifting trophies—a sentiment he finds motivating.
Remarkable Achievements
This latest triumph marks Scheffler’s 20th PGA Tour win and overall 23rd—this tally, which includes an Olympic medal, was amassed over a mere four-year span. Remarkably, he is one of only three players, alongside legends Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, to achieve four major championships and 20 PGA victories before reaching the age of 30.
Jason Day, a seasoned golfer familiar with the pressures of being world number one, expressed admiration for Scheffler’s persistence.
“He avoids the trap of complacency, constantly preparing and remaining competitive,”
Day noted, showcasing that Scheffler’s winning momentum is far from ceasing.
Finding Balance Off the Course
The question remains: how will he disconnect from the constant grind? Scheffler recalls previous interests like pickleball and coffee—which serve as both diversion and distraction—statements indicating his need to balance focus away from golf.
Although the calendar page has turned to a new year, Scheffler’s path seems uninterrupted by the challenges of previous seasons, as he appears to carry momentum into 2026. Following a brief period of adjustment after missing two tournaments last year due to an injury, he has not placed outside the top ten since late March, currently riding a streak of 16 consecutive top-ten finishes on the PGA Tour.
With a chance to recharge at home, it’s likely that more time at Royal Oaks lies ahead.
“Nothing compares to striking the ball just as you envisioned,”
he mused, reflecting the joy he finds in every swing.
