Holidays are just around the corner for the PGA Tour players. At least, for the top 30. This week the FedEx Cup Final is being played and in 20 days the Presidents will take place. From there, it’s off until January. Three months. Like in school. Some may play a tournament in October, November or December, but the vast majority assure that if that…
Scheffler is one of them, although he doesn’t complain about the season. “It’s clear that the schedule is very tight. It’s almost like a sprint. But we haven’t played all year to get here and now say we’re tired. There will be time to think about other things,” he assured this Tuesday in his appearance before the journalists prior to the Tour Championship.
However, he made it clear that he is not going to play anything until next year. We’ll see what happens with Tiger Woods‘ tournament in December, but he didn’t mention it either. Beyond his schedule, regarding what he pointed out that this year he has learned a couple of things about the best way to prepare the Majors, although unfortunately he did not specify it, the most curious thing about his intervention was when he was asked about his holiday plans. “Are you one of those who plays golf recreationally with friends or do you forget about the clubs for weeks?” they asked him.
What do you think he answered? Well, yes, he plays golf with friends. And he plays quite a bit. How can Scheffler, the world’s Number One, play (and compete) with an average amateur golfer? Well, it’s also a very easy answer. “That’s what the handicap is for,” said Scottie. Blessed sport, we note. Can you imagine, good amateur, playing tennis with Rafa Nadal (and compete)? Impossible. In golf it is possible.
Scheffler revealed that his handicap has been lowered at his club, that they are tightening the screws. “I was at +5 and now they’ve put me at +7,” he says. That is, on a par 72 course, his par is 65. “To play with my friends, I usually give them two strokes per hole (36). If they are single-digit handicap I give them about 20 strokes, it depends. In any case, I still beat them, which is the most important thing. What I like least about golf is having to take out my wallet at the end of a match, neither for 5 nor for 500 dollars. I hate losing even in ping pong,” he explains.
And you, dear reader, how many strokes do you think you would have to receive from Scheffler for the match to be competitive? We already tell you that not all are as generous as Scottie. Schauffele assures that he plays with his friends bare. “Of course, if they want to play with me it has to be without handicap. They are too good for me to give them strokes,” he points out laughing, but very seriously.
