Scheffler masters Augusta
World No. 1 issues warning to rivals after claiming second major
IN professional golf, there’s Scottie Scheffler, and then there’s everybody else. The No. 1 player in the world won his second Masters in three years yesterday in Augusta, Georgia, by firing a final-round 68 to finish the week at 11-under 271.
Six of Scheffler’s seven birdies came over his final 11 holes at Augusta National as he pulled away for a four-stroke win over Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, who posted a 69.
Collin Morikawa struggled to a 74, tying Englishman Tommy Fleetwood (69) and Max Homa (73) for third at 4-under.
“I did my best to stay calm out there,” Scheffler said at the green jacket ceremony in Butler Cabin.
“I tried to stay patient on the course and was able to make some key shots and key putts today to keep my round going.
“Ludvig played great today, he made a good move at me there on the back nine and I was fortunate to hold him off towards the end.”
Only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Spaniard Seve Ballesteros were younger two-time Masters champions than Scheffler, 27.
It marks Scheffler’s second major victory and his 10th win on the PGA Tour in the past 26 months. In his past four starts on tour, Scheffler has won three tournaments and tied for second in the other.
His thoughts immediately turned to getting home as soon as possible to his wife Meredith, who is pregnant with their first child, but he also intends to keep challenging for the game’s biggest titles.
“I’m coming home, I’ll be home as quick as I can,” Scheffler said when asked if he had a message for his wife.
“I wish I could soak this in a little bit more but all I can think about is getting home. It’s a very, very special time for both of us.
“I can’t put into words what it means to win this tournament again and really can’t put into words what it’s going to be like to be a father for the first time.
“I definitely will enjoy the birth of my first child, and my priorities will change very soon, so golf will be fourth in line, but I still love competing.
“I don’t plan on taking my eye off the ball any time soon.”
Though no one is close to Scheffler’s dominance, Aberg continued his meteoric rise through the world of golf with a solo second in his first major start.
The 24-year-old had yet to turn pro this time last year, but he’s now won on the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, played for a victorious European Ryder Cup team and contended on Sunday at the Masters.
“This being my first major championship, you never really know what it’s going to be like until you’re there and experience it,” Aberg said.
“I think this week has given me a lot of experiences and a lot of lessons learned in terms of those things. It makes me really hungry, and it makes me want to do it again and again.” – Field Level Media