The Answers With… Scottie Scheffler. The world’s number one golfer talks about scaling the summit while staying grounded
Scottie Scheffler describes himself as “a pretty emotional guy”, but you wouldn’t know it. Since turning professional in 2018, the 28-year-old’s composed performances on the green—which have propelled him to the world number one ranking, a position he has held for over 100 weeks at the time of writing—reveal little in the way of nerves or emotion.
Instead, his game is defined by focus, composure, and a quiet mastery forged through years of discipline and dedication—traits that have shaped a career most professionals could only dream of. Scheffler is a two-time major champion, having claimed victory at the Masters Tournament in 2022 and 2024, and has notched 13 PGA TOUR wins to date. In 2022, he became only the fifth golfer to enter the Masters as world number one and go on to win it.
That same year marked another milestone: Scheffler joined the ranks of golfing legends such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer as a Rolex Testimonee—an honour reserved for those who exemplify the highest standards of sporting excellence. Yet, despite the accolades and a trophy cabinet that continues to grow, Scheffler remains grounded in what matters most.
“My priority is my family first, not my job,” he says. “So when I get time to go out and go to work, I need to be very focused and present in terms of what I’m doing on the golf course.”
Rolex is known for its enduring partnerships. How has your relationship with Rolex evolved since you became a Rolex Testimonee in 2022?
It has been a great partnership so far. I partnered with Rolex on the Sunday before the Masters Tournament in 2022. Having a partnership with Rolex and to be associated with such a brand is extremely special. I grew up watching so many of the tremendous Rolex advertisements, so I still find it a bit weird seeing my face pop up on the commercials every now and then. I am very proud to be associated with the brand.
How does it feel to be associated with some of the games greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods?
Anytime that you can be mentioned alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods is very special. I grew up trying to emulate Tiger Woods on the course and watching a little bit of Jack Nicklaus, but more so Tiger because he was more my era. Anytime that I can be seen side by side with him is very special and a real dream come true moment for me.
Can you share a particular moment or experience that highlighted the significance of your partnership with Rolex?
I would probably say that the thing that stood out to me most was a moment after the Masters in 2022. My brain sometimes has a hard time processing what is going on. Sitting and reflecting is not necessarily a great skill of mine.
When I was at home a few weeks after the tournament, I was sent the advertisement that Rolex had produced from my Masters win. It was such a beautiful advertisement. 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.
Can you describe the emotions of putting on the iconic Green Jacket after your maiden victory at the Masters in 2022 and joining an esteemed group of players to have won the Masters?
Putting on the Green Jacket is pretty special! The ceremony itself is beautiful. You are up on top of the hill, looking down over the golf course, the sun is setting and it is the Masters. Everything is perfect – the grass is green and the trees are green.
Nine wins – the Masters Tournament, The PLAYERS, an Olympic Gold Medal, the FedEx Cup. You had your first child. When you hear it all put together in one sentence, what’s your reaction?
It’s been a crazy year and it’s been a lot of fun. I’m not really exactly sure how to describe it other than it’s been a lot of fun. The tournaments have been great. Having Bennett being born in May was pretty fun as well and he’s been pretty awesome.
How do you reflect on this success in 2024 and can you tell us about the different sources of inspiration or motivation on this continued pursuit of excellence?
As far as sources of motivation go, I’ve always been internally motivated. I’m always trying to get the best out of myself. I’m not focused on the results. I try to focus on the process of getting better.
When I talk about the start of 2024 when I was trying to improve my putting, I’m not all of a sudden going to come up with one thing that fixes it. It’s a process that takes a lot of time and a lot of work. To be focused on the process of improving and not the results is important. As far as the year went, I was able to capitalise on a lot of the opportunities that I had from playing good golf. I’m not good at reflecting on it, but it was definitely a fun year and I’m very grateful to have had the success that I’ve had.
