Scottie Scheffler Reinforces His No. 1 World Ranking After Masters Victory

Scottie Scheffler of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. on April 14, 2024. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Scottie Scheffler is not backing down from the lofty expectations that come with being the No. 1 golfer in the world.

Scheffler was the favorite to win this year’s Masters Tournament, and he ran roughshod over the rest of the field, shooting a final-round 68 for an 11-under par for the weekend to win the $3.6 million purse.

Scheffler, 27, became the fourth-youngest player to have two green jackets after also winning the tournament in 2022.

“I feel like I’m playing really good golf right now. I feel like I’m as in control of my emotions as I’ve ever been, which is a good place to be,” Scheffler said. “I feel like I’m maturing as a person on the golf course, which is a good place to be.”

Scheffler’s performance at the Masters was consistent with his style of play throughout 2024. He has not gone over par and has won more than $15 million over nine tournaments, which includes victories at Bay Hill and The Players Championship.

Scheffler was ultra-focused at Augusta, especially with his wife, Meredith, back home in Dallas, expecting their first child by the end of the month.

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However, once the prestigious tournament ended, he was ready to fly back to Texas and reunite with his family.

“In my head, all I can think about is getting home,”  he said.

“I’m not thinking about the tournament. I am not thinking about the Green Jacket. I’m trying to answer your questions, I’m trying to get home. I wish I could soak this in maybe a little bit more, and maybe I will tonight when I get home.

“But at the end of the day, that’s what the human heart does, you always want more and I think you have to fight those things and focus on what’s good because winning this golf tournament does not change my identity. My identity is secure and I cannot emphasize that enough.”

Once Scheffler got rolling in Augusta, he began to distance himself from the rest of the field, which has been the trend over this PGA season. The rest of the golfers were resolved to play for second place.

Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg, who was making his Masters debut, was the closest to Scheffler with a 69. The young golfer is poised to challenge for a top spot in future tournaments. However, he did not have the experience to catch Scheffler at Augusta.

Fellow American Collin Morikawa finished with 74 and tied for third with Tommy Fleetwood (69). Max Homa finished fourth with a 73 after a costly double bogey on the 12th hole.

“He is pretty amazing at letting things roll off his back and stepping up to very difficult golf shots and treating them like their own,” Homa said about Scheffler. “He’s obviously a tremendous talent, but I think that is his superpower.”

Scheffler has 10 victories worldwide since his first PGA Tour title in 2022. The 2024 Masters also reinforced the new guard of professional golf.

Tiger Woods, who made the cut at the Masters for a record 24th consecutive time, had a 77 on Sunday and finished in last place at 304 (16-over par)—the highest 72-hole score of his career.

Scheffler has played so well recently that some pundits are putting him in a category with Woods, a 15-time major winner.

Last year, Woods made the cut but was forced to withdraw after aggravating plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Those nagging injuries bothered him again this year.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States talks with his wife, Meredith Scheffler, during the Par 3 contest prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. on April 5, 2023. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

As Woods faded, all eyes were on Scheffler, who had closed out another impressive weekend. However, Scheffler kept the performance in perspective and was looking forward to being reunited with his wife, Meredith, who did not travel to Augusta because of the pregnancy.

Nonetheless, Scheffler understood the magnitude of the moment.

“It’s a very special time for [my wife and I],” Scheffler said. “I can’t put into words what it means to win this tournament again. I really can’t put into words what it’s going to be like to be a father for the first time. I’m looking forward to getting home and celebrating with Meredith. It’s been a long week here without her, but I’m just looking forward to getting home.”