With back-to-back wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship before missing a 5-foot birdie putt at the last hole at the Texas Children’s Houston Open that would’ve forced a playoff in his final Masters tune-up, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is arriving at Augusta National Golf Club with a bulls-eye on his back. The 2022 champion is the overwhelming favorite to don the Green Jacket this year and earn his second major title.
Two years ago, in a stroke of ingenuity, Rolex signed Scheffler to be one of its brand ambassadors on the Sunday before the Masters that he won. Just a few weeks later, the watchmaker sent Scheffler the advertisement it had produced to celebrate his Masters triumph and it left a lasting impression on the then-25-year-old champion.
“It was such a beautiful advertisement,” Scheffler recalls. “The imagery was incredible and then all of a sudden, I pop up on the screen and it shows the highlights of us winning. It was one of those ‘Wow, this is really where my life has come’ moments and just to be a part of the advertisements is very special to me as a player.”
On the brink of the 88th edition of the Masters, Scheffler participated in a wide-ranging Q&A through his partnership with Rolex that touches on his memories from winning the Masters in 2022, his favorite Masters moment and the importance of his prep, plus much, much more.
The 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama applauds as Scottie Scheffler waves to the crowd during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports
It was very emotional for me. My whole family was there, my coach was there – basically everyone who had helped guide me along the way for years to get to that moment was there. To put on the Green Jacket was extremely cool. As the previous winner [in 2021], Hideki Matsuyama was able to put the Green Jacket on me which was fun as he is a fellow Rolex Testimonee. Being able to join the long list of Testimonees to have won the Masters such as Tiger and Jack and being able to go into the Champions Locke Room every year is a really cool experience. As you are putting on the Green Jacket, the emotions flow through you and I was just really grateful to be in that moment.
Scottie Scheffler talks to the crowd while wearing his green jacket during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Adam Cairns-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports)
SS: As a young golfer, you always dream of making the putt on the 18th hole to win the Masters. I four-putted the last hole so it was not necessarily the dream, childhood moment of making the winning putt but the walk up the 18th hole was extremely surreal. My caddie, Ted Scott, and I had a conversation when we were walking up, saying thanks, being grateful and just really enjoying the moment. I think we really did [enjoy the moment] and the results of my putting on the 18th green probably show how much we were enjoying it. I think the feeling that you get with the achievement and the gratefulness of being able to achieve a lifelong dream is so special. It is just really fun to put on the Green Jacket and when you go back the next year, you get to host the Champions Dinner and do all the things that you have dreamed about. Going from being a little kid learning to play the game to winning the Masters is a truly humbling experience.
Masters champion Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a stroke from the No. 18 tee during the first round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 6, 2023. (Courtesy Rolex/Augusta National)
SS: Mentally, it is a bit different going into a tournament that you have won before. When you step up there, you know how the course plays late in the week and in short, you know what it takes to win – it is really as simple as that. Returning as a previous champion gives you a bit more confidence going into the tournament knowing that you have what it takes to be able to get it done there. As you are preparing for the tournament, you have that winning experience and know what the golf course plays like, so it naturally gives you a bit more confidence.
Masters champion Scottie Scheffler of the United States putts on the No. 16 green during the first round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 6, 2023.
SS: Going into the Champions Locker Room every year is just the coolest thing in the world. When you go back to the Masters, park in the champions parking lot, walk into the clubhouse and head upstairs, you see all the greats of the game lined up in one room and I think that is pretty tough to beat! I get excited going there to play the course but also to just go into the Champions Locker Room.
Master champion Scottie Scheffler tips his hat as he walks No. 18 during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 10, 2022.
SS: How I deal with pressure and expectations is all through my preparation. When I show up to a tournament, I want to be as prepared as possible so that when I step up on the first tee to hit that first shot, I can tell myself that I have done everything that I can in order to play well at this tournament and in turn, I can let go of all the pressure and compete. When I go into the big tournaments like the Major championships, or any event for that matter, I just try to control what I can control, show up with a good attitude, being committed to my shots and being prepared. Outside of that, I cannot control the results. I can only control what I am doing and when I step on that first tee, I just remind myself that I have done all that I could and it is time to let go, compete and have fun.
Tiger Woods celebrates after making a putt on the 18th green to win The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY)
SS: First, it has to be Jack Nicklaus’ victory in 1986 to claim his sixth Masters title and his putt on the 17th hole. I have watched that back nine a few times and it was just really cool for him to win the tournament at that time.
I would then have to say Tiger’s chip on the 16th hole in 2005. I rewatched the video the other day with the Nike ball stopping on the edge of the cup. I think those two moments are the standouts for me.
In terms of a third iconic moment, I guess you cannot look past Tiger’s victory in 2019. When I think of that tournament, I think of Tiger going around that course in high-winds and he had the winning recipe that week. It seemed like everyone got to the 12th hole and was hitting it in the water but then Tiger stepped up and hit it onto the green. In the blink of an eye, he had complete control of the tournament.
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