The age of Scottie Scheffler has arrived at the Players Championship.
Let’s engage in a thought experiment: Using just one word, how would you characterize his 64 on Sunday that eliminated a five-shot deficit and secured victory over Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele by only one stroke to win his second consecutive Players Championship? It was impressively spectacular, dynamic and awe-inspiring. However, it was also methodical, unwaveringly persistent and somewhat ordinary. For the player who has yet to shoot even par or worse through 27 competitions this year alone – rather than questioning whether he could achieve such an accomplishment with a score of 64 – the query became merely when it would happen. This truth is simple probability; Scottie Scheffler represents mathematical certainty.
Take a moment to breathe now, alright?
Let’s bring ourselves back to reality and take a moment to refocus. Despite our current feelings, it’s important to remember that Scottie Scheffler doesn’t win every tournament he competes in – not even close. While he continues to dominate statistical categories (excluding putting, which has greatly improved), his intimidating yet methodical presence on the golf course does not make him unbeatable or invincible like prime Tiger Woods was known for being.
However, what’s noteworthy is that he appears to be one. Despite not being expected to win this Players Championship after his Bay Hill triumph just a week ago, there are signs indicating otherwise. On Friday, it seemed as though an injury might force him out of the competition altogether. Saturday saw little action from him while Harman and Schauffele dominated proceedings instead. Though still showing promise with a top-10 finish during springtime competitions ahead of us calling for confirmation on whether or not he truly has got excellence in store!
Despite facing challenges, he emerged as the winner through a remarkable display of expertise that appeared typical except for his exceptional 92-yard hole-out for eagle on the fourth hole which launched him toward victory. Following this event, every aspect of his game seemed flawless and routine with an impressive scorecard even though missed putts could have lowered it further; defeat was never a possibility. Although Wyndham Clark had almost made a comeback in spite of their struggles, Scheffler’s domination overpowered any chance Clark had at success – one might begin to question if Scheffler himself is what creates such turbulence in competition despite all logic.
There is a growing belief that Scottie Scheffler lacks excitement. Earlier this week, an interviewer asked various players their thoughts about whether he possessed the same level of “star power” as Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth or Tiger Woods. Some responded by arguing that he intentionally comes across as boring to make his life simpler while others contested such claims and considered him fascinating behind closed doors. However, I disagree with both sides – people underestimate how captivating and appealing Scheffler can be even during press conferences; yet at the same time, there’s no evidence supporting any idea in which he deliberately keeps his lively personality hidden from reporters seeking juicy headlines.
He may be large in stature and straightforward in expression, yet he maintains a composed demeanor even amidst internal anxiety. And beneath the surface lies an unexpected level of outstanding ability that continues to astound us. Our eyes are fixed on Rory, Jordan, and other dynamic individuals who seem better suited for Scheffler’s position. But his excellence is peculiar; it stems from something essential – not just one person pushing against fate with electricity but rather an inflexible obligation… like the Russian snow engulfing invading forces.