Being the No. 1 golfer in the world comes with unique challenges, as Scottie Scheffler has discovered firsthand.
Scheffler, 28, has enjoyed a highly successful year on the PGA Tour, securing six victories before July. This remarkable achievement has brought him a great deal of attention and accolades, but it has also led to some awkward interactions with fans.
“There’s always some funny ones because I think sometimes people don’t know exactly what to say,” Scheffler shared with The Athletic in a story published on Wednesday, July 17. “They can be a bit weird at times.”
Despite frequently topping the leaderboard, Scheffler remains puzzled by the fanfare he receives. “I couldn’t tell you,” he admitted. “I guess you’d have to ask them.”
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Nevertheless, Scheffler is keenly aware of the influence he holds and the impact he can make on fans, even if it’s not always possible to please everyone. “It’s a pretty cool feeling to be able to make someone’s day by signing an autograph or taking a picture,” he acknowledged. “I’m trying to embrace more of that side of it than not being able to sign everyone’s autograph. People are upset because you can’t get to them throughout the day. That’s not a fun feeling. I’m trying to lean into more of making somebody’s day by signing something or taking a picture.”
In recent months, Scheffler’s personal life has also attracted significant interest. In May, his wife Meredith gave birth to their first child, a son named Bennett. When Scheffler won The Memorial a few weeks later, Meredith and baby Bennett were there to celebrate with him on the 18th green.
Balancing his professional and personal life has been a delicate learning experience, Scheffler candidly admitted. “I think that’s something that my wife and I are always working on,” he said. “When we’re at home getting rest, what does it actually look like to be restful? That’s not necessarily sitting there and watching TV. There are a lot of different things we do to get good quality rest so that, when we come back out on the road and play and do things, I have the energy to compete.”
This week, Scheffler is competing at The 152nd Open Championship at Scotland’s Royal Troon, where he is the odds-on favorite to win the tournament.
As he continues to navigate the demands of being the world’s top golfer and a new father, Scheffler remains focused on maintaining his form and cherishing the moments that come with his dual roles.
