Scottie Scheffler on being a winning golfer not an identity, "not a fulfilling life".

[woodriff]

Scottie being Scottie.

A old movie “God” God was played by George Burns, and the man whi met him was John Denver. 
Denver says, what do I do after I’ve met you, God? And God said “go shave” 

It’s a little like that. I do wish he didn’t mention being a role model. I think he can be a role model for players on the way up. 

[NevinW]

Sounds like Scotty understands some real wisdom.  Smart guy.

[Barnacle]

Obviously I’m not a famous golfer but I understand this perspective perfectly in my career. I’m a VP of a construction company and have been in construction management most of my adult life. I like my job, I’m good at it, it pays well. When we win a big contract it’s exciting, everyone feels good. But then it’s like okay what else needs to be done. We have other projects on going. Other ones coming up. What are we going after next. It’s a job. Quick celebration and then back to work. 

[tiderider]

On 7/15/2025 at 5:53 PM, PowderedToastMan said:

I only watched this small clip, but what I see is a burnt-out athlete. Scottie isn't MJ, but MJ retired for the first time at around the same age, asking similar questions ("what's the point?"). A renewed desire to reach new heights, along with a stubborn ability to stay in the moment, brought MJ back. 

 

Bob Rotella talks about how the enjoyment/satisfaction comes from chasing the dream rather than achieving it. It seems like maybe Scottie has lost that a bit, which by the way, is a normal human reaction to the level of success he has currently reached. 

 

I largely agree with the sentiment expressed here that Scottie is showing maturity with his statement, having his priorities in a good place. However, I've talked with a lot of older athletes who quit or stopped trying as much in their prime years, who would have done it differently now. It's really a catch-22 that many people experience at the end of their lives. I will say that I don't hear people regretting spending too much time with their kids, but Scottie is living his dream right now on tour, and it seems like he's forgetting that. Yes, his family is much more important, but he's depriving himself of joy by not being mindful that he is living his dream right now. 

 

If he hasn't already, I hope he has a good talk with Jack Nicklaus. That man perfected the work-life balance and was fiercely present, whether on the course or with his family. I have no doubt though that with a solid break from golf, Scottie's question of "what's the point" will seem like ancient history and will instead go back to winning tournaments. 

yeah, SS definitely needs something to bring him back to competiveness ... he's totally burned out ... deperately needs to talk with Jack at this point ... or was this post a troll? ...

[Guest]

Scottie does not seem excited he just won the Open championship.
 

Is this the beginning of seeing the true Scottie that @Ferguson has been eluding too? 

Edited July 20 by Guest

[Ferguson]

1 hour ago, NetBogey said:

Scottie does not seem excited he just won the Open championship.
 

Is this the beginning of seeing the true Scottie that @Ferguson has been eluding too? 

 

Yep.  You got it .

 

 

 

 

I am thinking...heavy hair growth....low heart rate and calmness. ......beta blockers, juicin', roids.   Probably not.  

 

[Obee]

On 7/16/2025 at 10:16 AM, Obee said:

I'll tell you what it is ... "Boring."

Yup. Still boring...

[Birdman62]

3 hours ago, NetBogey said:

Scottie does not seem excited he just won the Open championship.
 

Is this the beginning of seeing the true Scottie that @Ferguson has been eluding too? 

 

Best typo of the entire year.

[mosesgolf]

I’m starting to see Scotty as a choir boy version of Tiger. 😂

He said no one recognizes him at his local Chipotle.  

[stratgolf]

7 hours ago, Barnacle said:

Obviously I’m not a famous golfer but I understand this perspective perfectly in my career. I’m a VP of a construction company and have been in construction management most of my adult life. I like my job, I’m good at it, it pays well. When we win a big contract it’s exciting, everyone feels good. But then it’s like okay what else needs to be done. We have other projects on going. Other ones coming up. What are we going after next. It’s a job. Quick celebration and then back to work. 

 

Agree. I think you take the money out of it, where he obviously lives uber comfortably, his words are otherwise very understandable and ring true for yourself, myself and many others. Once you have worked and are able to support your family to a point of being financially comfortable, drive becomes difficult as you are no longer working to survive. You have to find fulfillment in other areas, while maintaining what you have.

 

Perhaps scotty would be fulfilled if he became a club junkie like the rest of us!

[Hawkeye77]

I was struck by how much he pretty much made all the same comments in the post-round presser as he did the other day - now in fairness a couple of reporters were stuck on it, but he did go on about it for awhile and starting to sound a little too "pat" to my ears.  But some good moments as well. 

[bscinstnct]

2 hours ago, mosesgolf said:

I’m starting to see Scotty as a choir boy version of Tiger. 😂

He said no one recognizes him at his local Chipotle.  

 

SS go to range, 20 cap in the next stall be like,

 

See, now your grips all wrong hoss, let me show ya…

 

 

Edited July 21 by bscinstnct

[mosesgolf]

8 minutes ago, bscinstnct said:

 

SS go to range, 20 cap in the next stall be like,

 

See, now your grips all wrong hoss, let me show ya…

 

 

Scotty going to be told "you're not supposed to slide your right foot like that" lol

[Bogey Fett]

20 hours ago, Hawkeye77 said:

I was struck by how much he pretty much made all the same comments in the post-round presser as he did the other day - now in fairness a couple of reporters were stuck on it, but he did go on about it for awhile and starting to sound a little too "pat" to my ears.  But some good moments as well. 

 

The lady doth protest too much, methinks. 

[bladehunter]

On 7/15/2025 at 12:58 PM, Cellis said:

I get the PGA season is fast paced and grueling, but I find this part a little odd. I don't see why you would have to ask yourself this when it is the pinnacle of the occupation you chose.

I get why you question it. But I absolutely get why he questions it too. 
 

Some of us wonder things.  Like how many hours of life do you spend doing things you do not want to do ?  Think hard. Or don’t. 🤣. It’s a sobering realization.  Then there’s the why ?   Also revealing.  There’s a million more if you’re reflective person.  

[Pepperturbo]

That was Scotties way of telling all the crazy golfers out there with singlular minds, that golf, winning, and the money don't make a person happy. His morals and values guide his happiness.  Having a healthy mentality makes the choices and life easier. 

 

 

[Dutch1008]

On 7/17/2025 at 2:24 AM, AintNoHobby said:

Maybe I'm just a history nerd but to me it's not about the celebration - it's about going down in Golf history forever.  

 

Scottie's name will still be on those trophies for centuries after he's gone. Among the select few golfers who will never be forgotten. 

 

I get what he's trying to say as a young father myself and it's very commendable that he wants to be remembered as a family man and not a golfer - but this is why I cheer more for a guy like Rory McIlroy who talks so much about the history of the game and what it means to him.

 

My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;

Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.

 

In the end, we're all worm food spanning a micro fraction of the universe's time. Kings and peasants alike. 

 

[PowderedToastMan]

On 7/20/2025 at 11:42 AM, tiderider said:

yeah, SS definitely needs something to bring him back to competiveness ... he's totally burned out ... deperately needs to talk with Jack at this point ... or was this post a troll? ...

I didn’t say he needed something to bring him back to competitiveness. The entire point of the post is that it seems from his comments he’s not currently enjoying the game of golf or being on tour. His comments don’t scream longevity. It’s clear you didn’t understand the message of the post or appreciate the psychology of sport.
 

I reference Michael Jordan in the first paragraph; if you’re old enough, you’ll recall him being the most competitive player in the league and retiring twice after winning a championship (burned out). MJ at 60 regrets not going for 8+ titles in a row. Jack Nicklaus played major-winning golf, with 5 children, from the early 60’s until the mid 80’s. If you’re a student of the game, you’ll recall Jack also had thoughts of quitting early but adapted in ways to keep him competitive (and when I say competitive, I mean the desire to compete, not his ability to compete, which you deeply misinterpreted and I’m not even sure you know the difference). 
 

Yes, Scottie won another major because he’s the best player in the world and it isn’t even close. However, if you understand athletes and what drives them, Scottie’s comments are understandable, but there’s a concern there. We want Scottie going for all-time records, not stepping away in his early 30’s. We want double digit majors, not 4. What stops Scottie from being an all-time great at this point is himself, not others. 
 

So before your next hot take, maybe do a second or third read through of the post. Something else you don’t seem to understand is burnout. Athletes win all the time while burnt out, but you can’t operate forever on a burned out level. I’m certain Scottie will continue to take steps to address that, likely with reduced tournaments going forward as an example of preventative measures. 
 

One last thing, folks on here should stop comparing Scottie to Tiger and realize that he’s actually potentially the next Jack Nicklaus. Scottie’s game is Jack’s adapted to the modern game, not even addressing the other similar aspects of the players. 

[Pops99]

35 minutes ago, PowderedToastMan said:

I didn’t say he needed something to bring him back to competitiveness. The entire point of the post is that it seems from his comments he’s not currently enjoying the game of golf or being on tour. His comments don’t scream longevity. It’s clear you didn’t understand the message of the post or appreciate the psychology of sport.
 

I reference Michael Jordan in the first paragraph; if you’re old enough, you’ll recall him being the most competitive player in the league and retiring twice after winning a championship (burned out). MJ at 60 regrets not going for 8+ titles in a row. Jack Nicklaus played major-winning golf, with 5 children, from the early 60’s until the mid 80’s. If you’re a student of the game, you’ll recall Jack also had thoughts of quitting early but adapted in ways to keep him competitive (and when I say competitive, I mean the desire to compete, not his ability to compete, which you deeply misinterpreted and I’m not even sure you know the difference). 
 

Yes, Scottie won another major because he’s the best player in the world and it isn’t even close. However, if you understand athletes and what drives them, Scottie’s comments are understandable, but there’s a concern there. We want Scottie going for all-time records, not stepping away in his early 30’s. We want double digit majors, not 4. What stops Scottie from being an all-time great at this point is himself, not others. 
 

So before your next hot take, maybe do a second or third read through of the post. Something else you don’t seem to understand is burnout. Athletes win all the time while burnt out, but you can’t operate forever on a burned out level. I’m certain Scottie will continue to take steps to address that, likely with reduced tournaments going forward as an example of preventative measures. 
 

One last thing, folks on here should stop comparing Scottie to Tiger and realize that he’s actually potentially the next Jack Nicklaus. Scottie’s game is Jack’s adapted to the modern game, not even addressing the other similar aspects of the players. 

Just a looooooot of projecting and assuming and assigning other peoples lives and personalities and lived experiences to Scottie going on here. 

Edited July 24 by Pops99

[PedronNiall]

42 minutes ago, PowderedToastMan said:

I didn’t say he needed something to bring him back to competitiveness. The entire point of the post is that it seems from his comments he’s not currently enjoying the game of golf or being on tour. His comments don’t scream longevity. It’s clear you didn’t understand the message of the post or appreciate the psychology of sport.
 

I reference Michael Jordan in the first paragraph; if you’re old enough, you’ll recall him being the most competitive player in the league and retiring twice after winning a championship (burned out). MJ at 60 regrets not going for 8+ titles in a row. Jack Nicklaus played major-winning golf, with 5 children, from the early 60’s until the mid 80’s. If you’re a student of the game, you’ll recall Jack also had thoughts of quitting early but adapted in ways to keep him competitive (and when I say competitive, I mean the desire to compete, not his ability to compete, which you deeply misinterpreted and I’m not even sure you know the difference). 
 

Yes, Scottie won another major because he’s the best player in the world and it isn’t even close. However, if you understand athletes and what drives them, Scottie’s comments are understandable, but there’s a concern there. We want Scottie going for all-time records, not stepping away in his early 30’s. We want double digit majors, not 4. What stops Scottie from being an all-time great at this point is himself, not others. 
 

So before your next hot take, maybe do a second or third read through of the post. Something else you don’t seem to understand is burnout. Athletes win all the time while burnt out, but you can’t operate forever on a burned out level. I’m certain Scottie will continue to take steps to address that, likely with reduced tournaments going forward as an example of preventative measures. 
 

One last thing, folks on here should stop comparing Scottie to Tiger and realize that he’s actually potentially the next Jack Nicklaus. Scottie’s game is Jack’s adapted to the modern game, not even addressing the other similar aspects of the players. 

 

More of a hot take to say you know what Scottie needs better than he does when his take on it has made him one of the greatest golfers ever stat-wise over the recent years and put him in a place to do whatever he wants in the game and in life. I'll still take the bet that any great player comes out better maybe wishing they'd done a little more in years to come than being burned out and disliking what they spent most of their developmental years and early adulthood training for because they didn't cut bait in time. 

 

7 hours ago, Dutch1008 said:

 

My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;

Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.

 

In the end, we're all worm food spanning a micro fraction of the universe's time. Kings and peasants alike. 

 

 

Many eons from now the post-humans will look back on the archives and still know who was WRX long. Surely they will use their vast technology to revive us from the WRX DNA archives that we might share our unfathomable knowledge. 

[tiderider]

9 hours ago, PowderedToastMan said:

I didn’t say he needed something to bring him back to competitiveness. The entire point of the post is that it seems from his comments he’s not currently enjoying the game of golf or being on tour. His comments don’t scream longevity. It’s clear you didn’t understand the message of the post or appreciate the psychology of sport.
 

I reference Michael Jordan in the first paragraph; if you’re old enough, you’ll recall him being the most competitive player in the league and retiring twice after winning a championship (burned out). MJ at 60 regrets not going for 8+ titles in a row. Jack Nicklaus played major-winning golf, with 5 children, from the early 60’s until the mid 80’s. If you’re a student of the game, you’ll recall Jack also had thoughts of quitting early but adapted in ways to keep him competitive (and when I say competitive, I mean the desire to compete, not his ability to compete, which you deeply misinterpreted and I’m not even sure you know the difference). 
 

Yes, Scottie won another major because he’s the best player in the world and it isn’t even close. However, if you understand athletes and what drives them, Scottie’s comments are understandable, but there’s a concern there. We want Scottie going for all-time records, not stepping away in his early 30’s. We want double digit majors, not 4. What stops Scottie from being an all-time great at this point is himself, not others. 
 

So before your next hot take, maybe do a second or third read through of the post. Something else you don’t seem to understand is burnout. Athletes win all the time while burnt out, but you can’t operate forever on a burned out level. I’m certain Scottie will continue to take steps to address that, likely with reduced tournaments going forward as an example of preventative measures. 
 

One last thing, folks on here should stop comparing Scottie to Tiger and realize that he’s actually potentially the next Jack Nicklaus. Scottie’s game is Jack’s adapted to the modern game, not even addressing the other similar aspects of the players. 

you took a short answer to one question in a press conference to infer that SS is burned out and tired of being on tour ... and you stated he's lost 'that' a bit, 'that' being the satisfaction of chasing a dream ... then, that he's 'showing maturity' with his statement, implying he was struggling to show maturity and find balance ... then, that he's regretting/will regret not enjoying the moment in his career, based on the fact he said at the end of the day, what really fulfills him is being with his family ... then, that with a solid break from golf, he'd 'get back to winning tournaments', despite the fact he'd won some pretty big tournaments this year before giving a somewhat off-the-cuff/stream of conciousness answer in a presser ... 

 

but i'm the one with the hot take ... got  it ... 

[Mr.Cleeks]

I feel like the statement Scottie gave is pretty in line with what he usually says. He's said on multiple occasions golf comes 3rd in his life after faith and family. I also think he doesn't have that many distractions in his life off the course. He doesn't do TGL, his sponsors are nike, taylormade, rolex, and veritex which is a community bank in Texas. Nike hasn't had a sponsor day since they got out of the equipment business. Taylormade has their sponsor day in mid-December in Florida usually. He's got such a clear head and that's his biggest asset on the course IMO

[FootWedge16]

The only thing I know for sure is that Scottie 100% regrets rambling on about this. He was visibly annoyed that reporters wouldn't shut up about it after winning the open. 

[Titleist99]

35 minutes ago, FootWedge16 said:

The only thing I know for sure is that Scottie 100% regrets rambling on about this. He was visibly annoyed that reporters wouldn't shut up about it after winning the open. 

Totally agree. And they wonder why athletes are reluctant to speak to the media.

 

Scheffler will learn that the media is not his friend and will go to stock answers like Tiger did.

[RSinSG]

41 minutes ago, Titleist99 said:

Totally agree. And they wonder why athletes are reluctant to speak to the media.

 

Scheffler will learn that the media is not his friend and will go to stock answers like Tiger did.

For a couple of years I was the PIO (Press Information Officer) for my department responsible for press releases, doing stand ups and giving official statements. When we had a major event I was in front of the cameras and did live interviews with national “reporters” like Wolf Blitzer, the GMA crew as well as local and regional talking heads. 
 

I was trained and learned quickly that all answers needed to be super brief. Only a few seconds to answer the question and then shut up. No rambling, speculating or giving opinions. Of course a pro athlete is not disseminating facts about an incident or policy and the media wants to know about them and what they’re thinking, but I think the less they say the better it will be for them. There is a middle ground between early Tiger who didn’t give them anything and Scottie’s recent presser where he exposed too much.

 

BTW- I never hated the media like many who had to deal with them did/do, but I was never off guard around them. They do not have your best interests in mind when they are looking to get their name attached to a hot story. In all the years I’ve had to deal with them there was only one reporter who I trusted with “off the record” background. She was ethical and ended up getting forced out of the job because of it.

[Titleist99]

3 hours ago, RSinSG said:

For a couple of years I was the PIO (Press Information Officer) for my department responsible for press releases, doing stand ups and giving official statements. When we had a major event I was in front of the cameras and did live interviews with national “reporters” like Wolf Blitzer, the GMA crew as well as local and regional talking heads. 
 

I was trained and learned quickly that all answers needed to be super brief. Only a few seconds to answer the question and then shut up. No rambling, speculating or giving opinions. Of course a pro athlete is not disseminating facts about an incident or policy and the media wants to know about them and what they’re thinking, but I think the less they say the better it will be for them. There is a middle ground between early Tiger who didn’t give them anything and Scottie’s recent presser where he exposed too much.

 

BTW- I never hated the media like many who had to deal with them did/do, but I was never off guard around them. They do not have your best interests in mind when they are looking to get their name attached to a hot story. In all the years I’ve had to deal with them there was only one reporter who I trusted with “off the record” background. She was ethical and ended up getting forced out of the job because of it.

 

The media are experts in sensationalism. The media has no problem when it comes to taking things out of context. Scheffler said at his presser that "Family and faith come before golf" The headlines read that "Scheffler hates golf." 🤣

 

*satire

[Dutch1008]

57 minutes ago, Titleist99 said:

The media are experts in sensationalism. The media has no problem when it comes to taking things out of context. Scheffler said at his presser that "Family and faith come before golf" The headlines read that "Scheffler hates golf." 🤣

 

*satire

 

You marked this "satire" but it really isn't. That is exactly what the headline writers did. 

 

Scottie's statement was far more nuanced than any of the coverage gave him credit for. Yes, he said that faith and family come first and that is where his deepest joy comes from. However, despite knowing where his true joy comes from, he struggles w/ his personal desire to win. Scottie is personally struggling with reconciling the two sides of himself. Scottie has achieved many of his professional goals. He knows what it feels like to win the Masters, to win the hometown event he dreamed about. He knows the joy those accomplishments brought and he also knows that he gets more joy from his faith and family. What is interesting about it all, is the despite knowing this 1st hand, he still desperately wants to win at Augusta, at the Open. 

 

A guy with a world of accomplishment and a thriving family life is still struggling to tame the competitive sociopath that lies within. That is freaking fascinating and the media completely short changed it. They focused on cheap sound bites vs an interesting exploration of a man's relationship w/ his work and obsession.    

[Titleist99]

32 minutes ago, Dutch1008 said:

 

You marked this "satire" but it really isn't. That is exactly what the headline writers did. 

 

Scottie's statement was far more nuanced than any of the coverage gave him credit for. Yes, he said that faith and family come first and that is where his deepest joy comes from. However, despite knowing where his true joy comes from, he struggles w/ his personal desire to win. Scottie is personally struggling with reconciling the two sides of himself. Scottie has achieved many of his professional goals. He knows what it feels like to win the Masters, to win the hometown event he dreamed about. He knows the joy those accomplishments brought and he also knows that he gets more joy from his faith and family. What is interesting about it all, is the despite knowing this 1st hand, he still desperately wants to win at Augusta, at the Open. 

 

A guy with a world of accomplishment and a thriving family life is still struggling to tame the competitive sociopath that lies within. That is freaking fascinating and the media completely short changed it. They focused on cheap sound bites vs an interesting exploration of a man's relationship w/ his work and obsession.    

100% agreed.^^^^

 

Scheffler was also right about the media asking, "What's next?" the minute after winning the Claret Jug. He's now taking a little time to enjoy this one, though.

[betarhoalphadelta]

18 hours ago, Dutch1008 said:

 

You marked this "satire" but it really isn't. That is exactly what the headline writers did. 

 

Scottie's statement was far more nuanced than any of the coverage gave him credit for. Yes, he said that faith and family come first and that is where his deepest joy comes from. However, despite knowing where his true joy comes from, he struggles w/ his personal desire to win. Scottie is personally struggling with reconciling the two sides of himself. Scottie has achieved many of his professional goals. He knows what it feels like to win the Masters, to win the hometown event he dreamed about. He knows the joy those accomplishments brought and he also knows that he gets more joy from his faith and family. What is interesting about it all, is the despite knowing this 1st hand, he still desperately wants to win at Augusta, at the Open. 

 

A guy with a world of accomplishment and a thriving family life is still struggling to tame the competitive sociopath that lies within. That is freaking fascinating and the media completely short changed it. They focused on cheap sound bites vs an interesting exploration of a man's relationship w/ his work and obsession.    

 

Well stated. I had the same takeaway from his statements but was struggling to figure out how to put it into words. 

 

I think the media seemed to spin this as "Scottie doesn't care about golf", when in reality the truth is that Scottie cares DEEPLY about golf. He must, to be as absolutely dedicated to the craft, to putting in the work, and to being a cold-blooded assassin out there on the course. He's the competitive sociopath inside the ropes and then once the tournament is over and he's holding the trophy, he doesn't understand how he could be THAT guy on the course and then pivot to being a regular, normal, devoted, husband and father. It's not that he doesn't care; it's that he cares so much about winning, in the moment, and doesn't understand why.

 

And he's going to be that normal guy, until he puts the next peg in the ground on the first of 72 holes of a tournament. Then he's going to want to crush his enemies, see them driven before him, and hear the lamentations of their women. 

[Obee]

34 minutes ago, betarhoalphadelta said:

 

Well stated. I had the same takeaway from his statements but was struggling to figure out how to put it into words. 

 

I think the media seemed to spin this as "Scottie doesn't care about golf", when in reality the truth is that Scottie cares DEEPLY about golf. He must, to be as absolutely dedicated to the craft, to putting in the work, and to being a cold-blooded assassin out there on the course. He's the competitive sociopath inside the ropes and then once the tournament is over and he's holding the trophy, he doesn't understand how he could be THAT guy on the course and then pivot to being a regular, normal, devoted, husband and father. It's not that he doesn't care; it's that he cares so much about winning, in the moment, and doesn't understand why.

 

And he's going to be that normal guy, until he puts the next peg in the ground on the first of 72 holes of a tournament. Then he's going to want to crush his enemies, see them driven before him, and hear the lamentations of their women. 

Wow, dudes. Thanks for this. I have not been able to give this the time I would like due to work commitments, but that's the kind of thing I was HOPING he was discussing. If that's the case, then more power to him, and I've just become a fan.

But I need to listen to the whole interview. 

I mean, I'm fully here for enemy driving and lamentations of women. Who isn't??? 😉