Scottie Scheffler talks Presidents Cup, upcoming match against LIV Golf duo
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Scottie Scheffler said he’s more focused on being himself than being a team leader for the US.
PHOTO: AFP
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MONTREAL – Before he sets out for a December exhibition that will get the golf world talking, Scottie Scheffler has a team event of a different kind to attend to at Royal Montreal Golf Club.
The world No. 1, whose incredible season included a Green Jacket, a Players Championship title, an Olympic gold medal and his first FedExCup, is gearing up for his second Presidents Cup, beginning on Sept 26 in Canada.
Scheffler was part of the United States team who won the 2022 edition at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina. That stretched the Americans’ winning streak over the International team to nine events and counting.
But after the Americans’ disappointing showing at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, Scheffler and his contingent will be trying not to botch another away match.
“That’s probably why you saw me so emotional after the Olympics. I really do take a lot of pride in playing for my country,” Scheffler said on Sept 24.
“I’ve had the opportunity to do it a few times, and it’s very special. Coming here to foreign soil for us and trying to compete and bring back the Cup, it will be pretty fun.”
Scheffler said he is more focused on being himself than being a team leader for the US.
The 28-year-old is joined this week by world No. 2 Xander Schauffele, Major champions Collin Morikawa and Wyndham Clark, future Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and other American stars who, on paper, have a leg up on the International side.
“What’s the benefit? I mean, the score is 0-0,” Scheffler said in typical Scheffler fashion.
“My job is to go out in the first match and do my best and try to get a point for our team... I don’t really think about if we’re favoured to win the match or not. My job is to win – all I can try to do is win one point in Thursday’s match.”
Scheffler also addressed his tie to a made-for-TV match pitting him and Northern Ireland star Rory McIlroy against LIV Golf’s Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau slated for December in Las Vegas.
Details have not been finalised, but it is expected to resemble past editions of “The Match” that have featured professional golfers and celebrities.
“My manager takes care of a lot of that stuff,” Scheffler said.
“When he originally brought it up to me, I was like, ‘Yeah, it sounds like fun’. I’ve partnered with Brooks and Bryson at Ryder Cups before. I’ve never obviously had a chance to play with Rory at the Ryder Cup, but those are two guys I really miss competing against.
“It definitely interested me, and the way things fell together, it seemed to work out nice. It seems like a fun deal.”
Scheffler claimed he did not have a role in spearheading the PGA v LIV match – and that any past animosity towards the players who defected to LIV did not play a role in his decision to play the match.
He said: “It’s one of those things where like my friendships to guys out there hasn’t really changed that much.” REUTERS
