Despite not displaying his best golf and making more mistakes than usual for him, Scottie Scheffler managed to reach fourth place in the Masters Tournament where he was defending his title. He enjoyed a special week, acting as host at the Champions Dinner, and although he couldn’t reclaim the title, he was the one to put the Green Jacket on another great PGA Tour player, Rory McIlroy, one of his good friends on the circuit with whom he regularly competes for victories. This week, the man from Ridgewood is competing in the RBC Heritage, where he is also defending his title, and this Tuesday he spoke about the tournament, his game, and his experiences in the past days at the Augusta National.
Returning to the RBC Heritage and defending his title: “It’s great to be back in Hilton Head. I have very special memories from last year’s tournament, so coming back here makes me feel comfortable. This week is much more relaxed compared to Augusta. The logistics are simple, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is very laid-back. It’s a week we really enjoy as a family”.
The type of course and style of play: “This course is very different from Augusta. It’s not as long, but it demands much more in terms of placement and control. You have to be precise with the ball position and avoid getting into trouble. The fairways are narrower and the course is flatter, but that doesn’t mean it’s easier. It’s just a different test, but a very good one too”.
“Being in the Butler Cabin and seeing Rory complete the Grand Slam was a very special moment; as his friend, it was incredible to congratulate him and see his joy”
His fatherhood and how it has changed his perspective: “Having Ben with us this week is amazing. We took him for a walk on the beach last night and he ate quite a bit of sand (laughs), but it’s a lot of fun to share this with him. Life definitely changes when you have a child, but for the better. It makes you appreciate moments more, both on and off the course”.
The opening ceremony and the cannon shot: “I had never been to an opening ceremony like this. It was something unique and a lot of fun. I had earplugs because the cannon is really loud, and it’s the first time I’ve hit a ball just as a shot like that goes off. I was just thinking about making good contact with the ball and not making a fool of myself (laughs)”.
Scheffler in the house. 💥 pic.twitter.com/JPSPAho3A7
— RBC Heritage (@RBC_Heritage) April 15, 2025
“I had a late start to the year due to a hand injury and that changed my plans a bit; I lost strength and mobility”
The recently announced mixed Olympic event: “Representing your country is always something very special, and if there’s another opportunity to win a gold medal, that’s exciting. I still don’t know exactly what the format will be, but a mixed competition sounds very fun. Anything to do with the Olympics seems incredible to me”.
Distance measuring devices and pace of play: “To be honest, I had completely forgotten that distance measuring devices are going to be used this week (laughs). It’s Ted, my caddie, who takes care of that. They might help a bit with the pace of play, but what really influences it is whether we play in threesomes or pairs. Going from playing with three to playing with two can reduce the round by more than an hour. People sometimes focus too much on whether golf lasts five hours or four and a half hours, but what matters is that it’s exciting. What matters most to me is that more people get involved in golf and can enjoy this very special sport”.
“Winning a tournament is like the rush you get from an extreme situation… like when you get arrested or something like that”
The emotional toll after competing and winning: “Winning a tournament is something that leaves you emotionally drained. The adrenaline you feel when you’re fighting for victory is very intense. For example, last Sunday I thought I had to go for the flags to try to win, but when Rose made her putt, I knew I no longer had a chance. All that energy rush disappears suddenly. It’s a very different experience from just coming close. It’s like the rush you get from an extreme situation… like when you get arrested or something like that (laughs). This week I feel much fresher compared to last year when I was very tired from Augusta”.
Rory McIlroy and his Grand Slam: “Being in the Butler Cabin and seeing Rory complete the Grand Slam was a very special moment. I tried to stay on the sidelines and not interrupt his moment, but it was very exciting to witness it. It was clear that for him it was more relief than anything else. He has won everything there is to win in this sport, and that was the only thing missing. As his friend, it was incredible to congratulate him and see the joy on his face and his family’s”.
How he approaches his game this season and his mindset: “I had a late start to the year due to a hand injury and that changed my plans a bit. It was like starting over. I lost strength and mobility and couldn’t work on what I usually do in the preseason. But each week I feel a little better. I’m learning, improving, and although I haven’t had my best golf this year, I’ve achieved good results. The important thing is to keep progressing”.
And finally… about the burger that bears his name: “I’m starving… so this burger comes at the perfect time.”
