Two years ago, Scottie became the fifth golfer to enter the Masters Tournament ranked No. 1 in the world and go on to win the Masters. Victory in 2022 entered him into an exclusive group of golfers to accomplish this feat including Tiger Woods.

With this win at Augusta National, Scheffler claimed his fourth win of the 2022 PGA Tour season, making him the first golfer since Arnold Palmer in 1960, and only the second ever, to win as many events including the Masters in that span of time to begin a season.

Scottie expands more on that memorable period in his career, and his time as a Rolex Testimonee:

Q: Rolex is known for its enduring partnerships. How has your relationship with Rolex evolved since you became a Rolex Testimonee in 2022?

Scottie Scheffler (SS): It has been a great partnership so far. I partnered with Rolex on the Sunday before the Masters two years ago in 2022. Having a partnership with Rolex and to be associated with such a brand is extremely special. I grew up watching so many of the tremendous Rolex advertisements, so I still find it a bit weird seeing my face pop up on the commercials every now and then. I am very proud to be associated with the brand.

Q: How does it feel to be associated with some of the games greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods?

SS: Anytime that you can be mentioned alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods is very special. I grew up trying to emulate Tiger Woods on the course and watching a little bit of Jack Nicklaus but more so Tiger because he was more my era. Anytime that I can be seen side by side with him is very special and a real dream come true moment for me.

Q: Can you share a particular moment or experience that highlighted the significance of your partnership with Rolex?

SS: I would probably say that the thing that stood out to me most was a moment after the Masters in 2022. My brain sometimes has a hard time processing what is going on. Sitting and reflecting is not necessarily a great skill of mine. When I was at home a few weeks after the tournament, I was sent the advertisement that Rolex had produced from my Masters win. It was such a beautiful advertisement. The imagery was incredible and then all of a sudden, I pop up on the screen and it shows the highlights of us winning. It was one of those “wow, this is really where my life has come” moments and just to be a part of the advertisements is very special to me as a player.

Q: Can you describe the emotions of putting on the iconic Green Jacket after your maiden victory at the Masters in 2022 and joining an esteemed group of players to have won the Masters?

SS: Putting on the Green Jacket is pretty special! The ceremony itself is beautiful. You are up on top of the hill, looking down over the golf course, the sun is setting and it is the Masters. Everything is perfect – the grass is green and the trees are green. It was very emotional for me. My whole family was there, my coach was there – basically everyone who had helped guide me along the way for years to get to that moment was there. To put on the Green Jacket was extremely cool. As the previous winner [in 2021], Hideki Matsuyama was able to put the Green Jacket on me which was fun as he is a fellow Rolex Testimonee. Being able to join the long list of Testimonees to have won the Masters such as Tiger and Jack and being able to go into the Champions Locke Room every year is a really cool experience. As you are putting on the Green Jacket, the emotions flow through you and I was just really grateful to be in that moment.

Q: Did this moment exceed all expectations and dreams you had as a golfer growing up?

SS: As a young golfer, you always dream of making the putt on the 18th hole to win the Masters. I four-putted the last hole so it was not necessarily the dream, childhood moment of making the winning putt but the walk up the 18th hole was extremely surreal. My caddie, Ted Scott, and I had a conversation when we were walking up, saying thanks, being grateful and just really enjoying the moment. I think we really did [enjoy the moment] and the results of my putting on the 18th green probably show how much we were enjoying it. I think the feeling that you get with the achievement and the gratefulness of being able to achieve a lifelong dream is so special. It is just really fun to put on the Green Jacket and when you go back the next year, you get to host the Champions Dinner and do all the things that you have dreamed about. Going from being a little kid learning to play the game to winning the Masters is a truly humbling experience.

Q: The Masters Tournament holds a special place in golf history. How do you feel Rolex’s association with the tournament impacts the sports legacy?

SS: I feel like Rolex is such a classic brand and always associated with the best in all sports – whether that is The Championships, Wimbledon or the Masters. Rolex always goes hand in hand with those tournaments and creates long-lasting partnerships with all its athletes – whether it is Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods or Roger Federer. The partnerships seem to last a really long time and a tournament like the Masters also seems to stand the test of time. I think the foundations of the relationship between Rolex and the Masters are really simple and helps to enhance the legacy of both.

Q: Looking ahead to the 88th edition of the Masters – You have had a great 2023 season posting 17 top 10 finishes and multiple wins on the PGA TOUR. How are you feeling ahead of the 2024 Masters Tournament?

SS: I am excited for another Major season and another season on the PGA TOUR. Having a nice off-season was really great for me – just to be at home and spend time with family and friends here, and get ready for the season well-rested and ready to go. I am excited by the stuff that I have been working on in terms of my game. My ball-striking still feels great and I am excited by how my putting is starting to feel. Anytime that you tee up at Augusta is special and I am excited to just go out there again and compete.

Q: Will your preparation be any different for the 2024 tournament returning as a previous champion?

SS: Mentally, it is a bit different going into a tournament that you have won before. When you step up there, you know how the course plays late in the week and in short, you know what it takes to win – it is really as simple as that. Returning as a previous champion gives you a bit more confidence going into the tournament knowing that you have what it takes to be able to get it done there. As you are preparing for the tournament, you have that winning experience and know what the golf course plays like, so it naturally gives you a bit more confidence.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about returning to the Masters?

SS: Going into the Champions Locker Room every year is just the coolest thing in the world. When you go back to the Masters, park in the champions parking lot, walk into the clubhouse and head upstairs, you see all the greats of the game lined up in one room and I think that is pretty tough to beat! I get excited going there to play the course but also to just go into the Champions Locker Room.

Q: How do you manage the pressure and expectations while challenging for a title at such a prestigious event like the Masters?

SS: How I deal with pressure and expectations is all through my preparation. When I show up to a tournament, I want to be as prepared as possible so that when I step up on the first tee to hit that first shot, I can tell myself that I have done everything that I can in order to play well at this tournament and in turn, I can let go of all the pressure and compete. When I go into the big tournaments like the Major championships, or any event for that matter, I just try to control what I can control, show up with a good attitude, being committed to my shots and being prepared. Outside of that, I cannot control the results. I can only control what I am doing and when I step on that first tee, I just remind myself that I have done all that I could and it is time to let go, compete and have fun.

Q: The Masters has produced some of the most iconic moments within sports history. What are your three most iconic Masters moments?

SS: First, it has to be Jack Nicklaus’ victory in 1986 to claim his sixth Masters title and his putt on the 17th hole. I have watched that back nine a few times and it was just really cool for him to win the tournament at that time. I would then have to say Tiger’s chip on the 16th hole in 2005. I rewatched the video the other day with the Nike ball stopping on the edge of the cup. I think those two moments are the standouts for me. In terms of a third iconic moment, I guess you cannot look past Tiger’s victory in 2019. When I think of that tournament, I think of Tiger going around that course in high-winds and he had the winning recipe that week. It seemed like everyone got to the 12th hole and was hitting it in the water but then Tiger stepped up and hit it onto the green. In the blink of an eye, he had complete control of the tournament.

Q: You had a great 2023 season, winning three times on the PGA TOUR at the Players Championship, the Waste Management Phoenix Open and at the Hero World Challenge. You have also been voted the PGA Tour Player of the year for the second consecutive season. Can you describe how life on Tour has changed for you?

SS: I am very motivated. The consistency that I had last year is something that I am extremely proud of. I would have liked to have won a couple more times but I could probably say that for every year of my career because nobody ever wins as much as they should. Going into this year, I am excited by the work that I have put in during the off-season and I am excited to head back out and compete. The closer you get to winning, it only makes you want it more. I am really focused, ready to go and compete, and looking forward to playing a lot.

Q: After claiming your first Players Championship and having won the 2022 Masters you became just the third player in history to hold both the Masters and the Players titles simultaneously, joining fellow Rolex Testimonees Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. How does it feel to hold records amongst some of the game’s greatest players?

SS: As I said, anytime that you are mentioned in the same breath as Tiger and Jack is extremely special. If I am going to catch any of their records or win totals, I am going to need to hit the ground running because those guys won quite a bit! With history being such an integral part of our game, it is really cool to be mentioned alongside them.

Q: What are your main goals and ambitions for 2024?

SS: I never really set long-term goals. I always just try my best to stay in the present and get a little bit better at a time. I do not make huge changes or drastic adjustments to try and improve immediately; instead, I try to put in the proper work each day to get a little bit better and so going into 2024, what I’m trying to do is simply improve a little bit at a time.

Images: Rolex