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At a July 15 press conference, Scottie Scheffler — the world’s No. 1 golfer — made it clear that no matter how many trophies he collects, nothing in his career compares to the joy and responsibility of family life.
“I would much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what’s more important to me.”
While acknowledging the satisfaction that comes with winning, Scheffler admitted that those moments are fleeting.
“You win it, you celebrate, get to hug my family,” he said. “It’s such an amazing moment. And then it’s like, okay, now what are we going to eat for dinner? You know, life goes on.”
Scheffler, who was raised Catholic and now attends a Presbyterian church, reflected on how emotional it is to realize he’s living the dream he’s pursued for so long. But even in reaching that goal, he questioned its lasting meaning.
“You know, to get to live out your dreams is very special,” he said, “but at the end of the day it’s like, I’m not out here to inspire the next generation of golfers. I’m not here to inspire somebody else to be the best player in the world, because what’s the point?”
Having reached the top of his sport, Scheffler spoke candidly about the emptiness that can follow even the most hard-earned victories.
“This is not a fulfilling life,” he said. “It’s fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from a sense of like the deepest, you know, places of your heart.”
Even in the grind of a competitive season, he said he and his wife remain focused on their shared mission.
“If my golf ever started affecting my home life or it ever affected the relationship I have with my wife or with my son,” he said, “that’s going to be the last day that I play out here for a living.”
Scheffler didn’t downplay the enjoyment he gets from competition.
“I love the challenge. I love being able to play this game for a living,” he said. “It’s one of the greatest joys of my life, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not.”
While professional sports often emphasize achievement and competition, Scheffler’s remarks pointed to a different set of priorities.
“At the end of the day,” he said, “it’s just not what’s satisfying.”
