While life around Scottie Scheffler has changed since he sank the last putt to win last year’s champion, he will keep the same attitude and be open to adjustments when he goes out to defend the championship this week.
In addition to adding an Olympic gold medal and a FedEx Cup to his mantle, the biggest change for Scheffler is that he became the father for the first time last spring.
“When you get home at the end of the day, Bennett will still do quite exactly the same thing he always does when I get home,” he said Tuesday about his young son. “My work will definitely not affect him and will definitely give some perspective.”
As I said, Scheffler has retained its focus to win a third green jacket after advising in two of the last three champions.
“I think we’re in store for another good tournament,” he said.
How it happens in the next few days can come with unexpected turns. Scheffler said that weather conditions dictate different strategies for Augusta National.
Monday’s exercise rounds were canceled due to heavy rain, and there are showers in the forecast for Friday’s second round.
“Much of the strategy for this place I think is changing with the conditions of the course,” he said.
The world # 1 had seven wins in 2024 but has not won this year. He got a hand -cut at home in December, which required less surgery and resulted in a delay at the beginning of his season.
Now he is comfortable with how he has reached this point.
“When I go on the first tee on Thursday, I will remind myself that I have done what I needed to do to play well, and it’s about going out and competing now,” Scheffler said. “I really try not to look too much into the past.”
Scheffler’s past in the masters has come with great heights. He could not determine his most significant shot of his Masters career Tuesday, although he suggested that there would be several challengers on such a list.
“It’s really hard to find out what would be my best shot because I feel that I have met many really important pictures, especially on Sunday, in the couple I have won,” he said.
Still, these titles do not translate to any specific advantage in 2025, Scheffler said.
“Last year has not much to do with this year,” he said, “outside I can go back to part of the experience I have played well on this golf course and reflect on it.”
Scheffler played the front nine Tuesday and planned to tour in the back nine Wednesday before the tournament.
The last few months have provided good settings for Scheffler. He said it has been encouraging starting in tournaments, but no one he considers to be a great beginning.
He said he has trained to trust how he feels for his game rather than living on specific results. That is why there is a safe way of thinking this week.
“I feel very prepared for this golf tournament,” he said. “This is definitely the most prepared I have known all year.”
Scheffler settles in the opening round at 10:15 Thursday with Justin Thomas and reigns us amateur master Jose Luis Ballester from Spain in his group.
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