Scottie Scheffler is still taking things one tournament at a time despite his impressive string of successes this season.
The world No. 1 and pre-tournament favorite at this week’s U.S. Open said his five victories so far in 2024 won’t help him win at Pinehurst No. 2.
“I try not to think about the past too much, and I try not to think about the future too much, and I just try and live in the present,” he told reporters Tuesday in Pinehurst, N.C. “Sometimes it’s easier and sometimes it’s a bit harder.”
Scheffler, 27, won the Memorial Tournament by one stroke on Sunday for his fifth title since early March. The run included his second Masters triumph.
“I feel like coming off of last week, I was really excited and celebrated for a few minutes there, but my mind kind of just goes on to the next thing,” he said. “I was getting ready, trying to get out of there and trying to prep for next week.”
Scheffler was asked if he reached out to other golfers who experienced similar streaks on the PGA Tour, including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
“I’m not thinking about my wins anymore,” Scheffler insisted. “All I’m focused on is this week and getting ready to play. Just because I won last week doesn’t give me any shots against the field this week. We all start even par, and the field is level again starting on Thursday. Last week doesn’t really matter.”
Scheffler’s best finish at a U.S. Open came in 2022 in Brookline, Mass., when he tied for second with Will Zalatoris, one stroke behind England’s Matt Fitzpatrick. Scheffler finished third at the 2023 U.S. Open in Los Angeles, three shots behind winner Wyndham Clark.
Scheffler has been able to maintain his focus on the golf course despite massive distractions, including an arrest at the PGA Championship (charges were later dropped) and the birth of his son, Bennett.
“When I’m home, I try to be the best husband and father I can be, and when I’m out here, I try to be the best golfer I can be,” he said. “I try to give my best to each and every thing that I do, whether that’s working out in the gym, practicing out here getting ready for a tournament, practicing at home, or spending time at home with my friends and family.
“I try not to overthink things, I try to live one moment at a time and soak it all up because you never know how long it’s going to last. Just try and soak up the good times when you can and fight through the bad.”
–Field Level Media