Before Scottie Scheffler became a celebrated four-time major champion, he was just a determined young golfer striving for his first victory. This journey began during the 2021 WGC-Dell Match Play, where the then 24-year-old Scheffler faced off against fellow golfer Billy Horschel in a thrilling final match. As he walked off the green at Austin Country Club, Scheffler was met by Texas head coach John Fields and his wife, Pearl, who were there to support the former Longhorn standout.
After exchanging hugs with his mentors, Scheffler headed towards a golf cart where his wife, Meredith, awaited him. However, just before he hopped in, a group of about 25 enthusiastic kids approached, eager for autographs and photos. Without hesitation, Scheffler took the time to sign their flags and hats, and even posed for selfies. Coach Fields recounted that once Scheffler finally got into the cart, he buried his face in his hands and broke down in tears, upset over the match's outcome, yet he managed to shield the kids from his disappointment.
Coach Fields can count on one hand the number of players he has coached who match Scheffler's level of competitiveness. What sets Scheffler apart is his remarkable ability to channel that competitive fire without letting it consume him. “He’s found a way to be very professional, but he also really enjoys people,” Fields noted, highlighting Scheffler’s unique balance between ambition and approachability.
At the beginning of each season, Fields emphasizes the Texas way to his teams, instilling values such as respect and humility. Simple gestures like taking off hats indoors and making eye contact during handshakes are part of this ethos. For years, Fields used Jack Nicklaus as a benchmark for how to compartmentalize golf and life, to stay present in the moment, and to find success where it matters. Today, Scheffler stands as the new standard for these principles.
Now, with three of the four legs of the career Grand Slam under his belt and 17 PGA Tour titles to his name, Scheffler is often compared to legends like Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Ben Hogan. However, it is his roles as a husband, father, son, and friend that he cherishes the most. Scheffler has made it clear that his priorities are faith, family, and golf—ranked in that order. He has stated that if his passion for golf ever negatively impacted his family life, he would walk away from the sport without hesitation.
In his quest to maintain a normal life outside of golf, Scheffler has even taken steps to avoid excessive recognition. For instance, he began visiting a different Chipotle location in Dallas to escape the spotlight. During a recent alumni pro-am in Austin, Coach Fields had to step in to manage the overwhelming demands on Scheffler's time, as many fans now see him as a local hero, surpassing even the legendary Jordan Spieth in popularity.
In a display of his commitment to the sport and his alma mater, it was recently revealed that the Schefflers are funding a renovation of the Longhorns’ practice facility at UT Golf Club. This initiative follows in the footsteps of other Texas alumni, like Spieth, who previously contributed to the construction of the Spieth Lower 40—an innovative six-hole short course. Another Texas great, Tom Kite, has also played a role in enhancing the team’s training facilities.
By summer of next year, future Longhorn golfers will have access to a cutting-edge practice range, aptly named Scheff’s Kitchen, where they can hone their skills. This investment symbolizes Scheffler’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of golfers, ensuring they have the best resources to succeed in their careers.
