Inside the Mind of a Champion: Scottie Scheffler’s Deeper Game

1. Winning Isn’t Everything

Scheffler explains that winning a major tournament brings a burst of excitement, but it fades quickly. “It’s awesome for about 2 minutes,” he says, before attention turns to the next challenge. Even after winning two majors, people ask, “How important is it for you to win the FedEx Cup playoffs?”

Insight: The pursuit of success is a moving target. You never truly “arrive.” It’s a treadmill, not a mountaintop.

2. Focus on Purpose

Despite his achievements, Scheffler frequently asks himself why he wants to win so badly. He admits to wrestling with the point of it all — a sentiment many high-achievers can relate to.

“I don’t know if I’m making any sense… sometimes I just don’t understand the point.”

Insight: Achievement without purpose leads to emptiness. Success doesn’t answer the bigger questions of life.

3. Family Over Golf

Scheffler makes it clear that his identity is not rooted in golf. He prioritizes his wife and child above all else, saying that if golf ever negatively affected those relationships, “that’s going to be the last day I play out here for a living.”

Insight: True success includes relational and spiritual well-being, not just performance or income.

4. Grounded Identity

Even as world No. 1, he doesn’t find his value in rankings or media attention. What matters is showing up as a whole person, grounded in faith, family, and discipline. He says he couldn’t care less about being the favorite — everyone starts at even par.

Insight: When identity is grounded in something deeper than work, you can enjoy success without being owned by it.

5. Focus on the Present

Scheffler doesn’t create rigid long-term goals like “win five majors.” Instead, he stays focused on the daily process — training, practicing, and staying sharp.

He admits he’s a procrastinator and doesn’t do well projecting too far ahead, which leads him to focus on what he can control today.

Insight: Consistency in the present moment yields better outcomes than obsessing over future results.

6. Appreciation for the Process

Even with all the existential questions, Scheffler still finds deep joy in the craft of golf. He loves the practice, the creativity of links-style golf, and the challenge of adapting to changing conditions.

Insight: Passion for the process can sustain you, even when results seem hollow or fleeting.