Scottie Scheffler paid an emotional tribute to his parents’ role in his success after winning the Tour Championship and ousting Tiger Woods from the top of the all-time money list.
Scheffler burnished his legacy with his second FedEx Cup title, coming from three shots back to win at East Lake on Sunday. It was his 22nd PGA Tour win, and the $10 million in prize money took his all-time earnings beyond $130 million, surpassing Woods’ longstanding record.
None of it would have been possible without the guidance of his parents, Scott and Diane, and the world No. 1 opened up about the unwavering support he continues to receive. Scheffler also discussed his bond with caddie Ted Scott, who raked in more than some big-name players thanks to another outstanding season.
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Scheffler said not only was their dedication, but also the lack of pressure placed upon him to make a career out of golf was invaluable.
“I just feel like we have a really close family, and I feel like it starts with my parents,” Scheffler told Golf Channel. “I have parents that my dad would lay in front of traffic for me if it meant that I wouldn’t get a scratch on my elbow.
“I feel like no matter how I play on the golf course, I’m always coming home to people that love me, my wife first and foremost, when it comes to that, but my parents as well.
Scheffler believes the lack of pressure placed upon him by his parents was invaluable -Credit:Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
“I feel like growing up in golf, your parents want what’s best for you, and obviously want you to succeed and achieve your dreams. I felt that from my parents, but I also felt that it was OK if I didn’t make it out here.
“If I didn’t win today, or if I never made it to the PGA Tour, that was OK for all of us. My parents wanted me to chase after my dreams, and I’m just glad to have their support.”
Scheffler’s upbringing created a healthy relationship with tournament golf and its often-harsh nature. He plays not for money or fame, but to fulfill his love for competition.
“I think just playing tournament golf is a battle as a whole. I think that’s part of why I love it too,” he said. “I get to play against the course, myself. You have to learn how to handle your emotions, handle pressure, not take days off. That’s something I’m very proud of.
“I feel like I hold myself to a high standard, which I think sometimes can be good and bad. I feel like, at times, I probably could be a bit of a pain to be around when things aren’t going the way they should. I don’t feel like I take days off. I’m highly competitive, and I’m very proud of being able to have the consistent results I’ve had over the years.
“I feel like it’s something that’s very difficult to do, and it’s something that I’m very proud of. I don’t take tournaments off. I don’t take days off during tournaments. I try to give it my all each and every day. I feel like it’s a gift to play out here on the PGA Tour, and I don’t want to take it for granted.
“I don’t want to look back at the end of my career and feel like I could have done more in order to play well. I want to be able to tell myself when I hang it up that I did everything I could. I feel like years like this kind of show that to myself, how important that is.”