Scottie Scheffler Conquers Augusta, Solidifies Himself as the Best in the World

Just eight months ago, Scottie Scheffler sat at 14th in the world golf rankings, was the last captain’s pick on Steve Stricker’s Ryder Cup team, and hadn’t won on tour. Now, he’s won four times since February, is ranked number one in the world, and has a Green Jacket.

Despite a strong start from Cam Smith and a late charge from Rory McIlroy, Scheffler remained unflappable and continued to make the shots he needed to. Although he four-putted the final hole, he still won by three strokes.

The young Aussie seemed like he would be in the thick of things from the start as he birdied the first two holes to get within one. However, he would bogey the next two holes to fall four behind Scottie Scheffler. Smith would birdie the 11th to get back within three but saw his Masters hopes slip away when his tee shot on 12 found Rae’s Creek, leading to a triple bogey.

McIlroy produced the shot of the tournament as he holed out for birdie on the last hole to shoot an eight-under 64 and finish runner-up to Scheffler. The runner-up finish marks Rory’s best finish at the Masters.

Despite the antics at 18 with Rory, Scottie Scheffler responded with birdies at 14 and 15 to take control of the golf tournament.

It’s crazy how after winning his first tournament in Phoenix, all he needed was that one taste of victory, and he was off to the races. In his last six starts, he has won four times.

However, while it may seem like Scheffler is calm under pressure, he explained in his press conference that he thought he wasn’t ready for the moment.

I think it’s safe to say that he was, in fact, ready for the moment, and I think he has a lot left in the tank. I don’t think he’s done winning the big tournaments, and I’ll go as far as to say I think he’ll win another major this season.

If you think about it, all Scheffler does is win, and he has proven that in all stages so far. Now that he’s won a major, there are no signs of slowing down. I don’t think he’ll be as dominant as Tiger, but he could be the next version.