Unruffled Scheffler eyes 2nd Augusta Masters green jacket
AUGUSTA: There isn’t much that can fluster Scottie Scheffler.
The American came into Augusta National this week as the favorite to win the Masters and the number one golfer in the world while at the same time, away from the course, his wife is expecting their first child imminently.
He faced a first round impacted by rain delays and threats of storms, a Friday with winds that ruined many rounds and then on Saturday treacherous, fast, greens and a leaderboard that was constantly shifting around him.
But the man seeking a second Masters title after his triumph in 2022 ended the third round with a one-stroke lead over compatriot Collin Morikawa.
“I’m proud of how I played today. It was a good fight out there. The golf course was extremely challenging. The greens were very firm, very fast, and it was extremely difficult again today. So probably looking for more of the same tomorrow,” said Scheffler after ending his round with an eight-foot birdie putt to regain the solo lead.
“It was very challenging out there. But it’s a major championship. I don’t think Augusta wants their golf course to be very easy,” he quipped.
With his trademark calmness, the 27-year-old coped with the blow of a double-bogey on the 10th and bogey on the 11th by bouncing back with an eagle on the 13th.
While others around him saw their rounds run away from them, particularly Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard, who suffered five straight bogeys on the back nine, Scheffler was his characteristic calm self.
Scheffler is rarely demonstrative during play but he reacted to his eagle with an impassioned fist pump that indicated the putt’s significance.
“I would say (it was) extremely important. That’s why I think you saw a bit of emotion there from me on 13 because it was an important time in the tournament. And it was nice kind of turning my Saturday around,” he said.
Scheffler, with eight wins on the PGA Tour, is hugely respected by fellow players and the broader golfing community but, perhaps because of his subdued style, has yet to become a firm fan favorite.