Masters champion says his faith makes him a champion with or without golf

Golfer Scottie Scheffler gave credit to his master after winning the prestigious Masters tournament on Sunday.

“My buddies told me this morning, my victory was secure on the cross,” he said, according to video.  “And that’s a pretty special feeling; to know that I’m secure forever and it doesn’t matter if I win this tournament or lose this tournament. My identity is secure forever.”

Scheffler, whose wife Meredith was not in Augusta because she is expecting their first child later this month, has spoken many times about the strength of his faith. He attends Bible study with his caddie Ted Scott and together with fellow Ryder Cup star Sam Burns cohosts an annual retreat with members of the College Golf Fellowship, a faith-based ministry.

Scheffler said his faith helped him during his final round on Sunday.

“Yeah, I mean, I believe that today’s plans were already laid out many years ago, and I could do nothing to mess up those plans,” he said. “I have been given a gift of this talent, and I use it for God’s glory. That’s pretty much it. So when I’m out there, I try to compete to the best of my abilities.

Scheffler said his wife was a great help to him as he tried to pass the long hours in the morning until his tee time. “She sent a lot of prayers,” he said. “My neck was bugging me a little bit. She just prayed for some healing and prayed for a lot of peace out there. I had a good conversation with my buddies this morning about the victory, and that victory already being secure.”

Scheffler concluded by citing his priorities in life.

“I will go home, soak in this victory tonight,” he said. “And we will definitely enjoy the birth of my first child. But with that being said, I still love competing. My priorities will change here very soon. My son or daughter will now be the main priority, along with my wife, so golf will now be probably fourth in line. But I still love competing. I don’t plan on taking my eye off the ball anytime soon, that’s for sure.”

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice