CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Wanamaker Trophy is an imposing presence in the world of golf. Weighing in at an impressive 27 pounds and stretching 27 inches from handle to handle, as well as 28 inches tall, it holds the title of the largest trophy in major golf tournaments. A past champion humorously mentioned that lifting this colossal silver chalice for a photo op requires flexing your biceps after a victorious PGA Championship win. However, when Scottie Scheffler returns the trophy to his home in the Devonshire neighborhood of Dallas, you might find it surprisingly difficult to spot any signs of such a monumental achievement.
Despite being one of the top golfers in the world, the humble Scheffler has kept his accolades under wraps. Friends who have visited his home have reported not seeing any of his numerous trophies on display. Frank Voigt, a close friend and member of the Royal Oaks Country Club, shared that he has visited many times without spotting a single trophy—except for an instance when the iconic Masters Trophy was seen in his old 2012 GMC Yukon XL, which he sold last year. Instead, the trophies are mostly tucked away in what Scheffler affectionately refers to as “the golf room” in his home office. “That’s where all my crap goes, literally,” he laughed, adding that most of the trophies are on a bookcase they remodeled together last year. “I’d like to say that it’s nicely presented, but it’s not,” he admitted with a chuckle, although his wife Meredith and father Scott quickly chimed in, insisting, “It’s nice!”
In these light-hearted moments, you get a glimpse of Scheffler as not just the best golfer globally, but as a grounded Texas family man who prefers not to let the sport define him. This modest demeanor, however, contrasts sharply with the competitive spirit that fuels his drive on the golf course. He transforms into a fierce competitor, embodying the role of a “killer” when the stakes are high, often expressing his excitement with exclamations like “(Expletive) yeah, baby!” as he flips a major championship in mere moments. His insatiable desire to win drives him to constantly push for the next challenge, leading to the paradox that defines Scottie Scheffler.
This duality became evident during his commanding Sunday victory at the PGA Championship. After tapping in the final putt, Scheffler exhibited a calm demeanor, embracing his caddie, Ted Scott, and shaking hands with playing partner Alex Noren. He took a moment to acknowledge the cheering crowd before unleashing a torrent of emotion, stomping his foot and throwing his Nike hat to the ground in sheer jubilation. “Yes!” he shouted, celebrating his five-shot triumph—the third major championship of his career and his first win outside of The Masters.
With adrenaline still coursing through him, Scheffler rushed to find his family. He embraced his wife, Meredith, and then picked up his son, Bennett, born just over a year ago. This victory was particularly special for Scheffler, as it marked his first major championship win as a father. After spending a few moments with Bennett, he made his way to his parents, where he received heartfelt congratulations from his father, who sacrificed his career to support the family while his wife worked as a lawyer. “I’m so proud of you,” he said, celebrating this historic moment together.
As he continued his victory lap, carrying Bennett along the course, Scheffler’s defining trait emerged: an unwavering competitive spirit seen both on the grandest stages of golf and in casual country club matches. He is the world’s number one golfer yet still engages in friendly rivalry with fellow players during games of pickleball. This level of competitiveness is intertwined with emotional vulnerability; Scheffler is known to have shed tears after a tough loss at the Ryder Cup and even suffered physical injuries out of frustration during college tournaments.
Despite his relentless ambition, Scheffler often struggles to reconcile his desire for victory with the pressures that come with it. “I don’t focus on that kind of stuff,” he said when asked about his career goals. “I love coming out here and trying to compete and win golf tournaments, and that’s what I’m focused on.” After winning, he typically shifts his focus back to family and preparing for the next tournament, rather than dwelling on past accolades. “Playing professional golf is an endlessly unsatisfying career,” he remarked, acknowledging the constant pursuit of greater achievements.
Scottie Scheffler’s inner conflict often leaves him searching for meaning in his victories. He feels an insatiable need to strive for more, admitting that he wishes he could savor his achievements better. “I feel like I have to fight those feelings and focus on what’s good,” he shared. This complexity is evident in his contrasting behaviors; he can be seen expressing frustration on the course one moment and then sharing tender moments with his son the next. Bennett serves as the connecting thread between these two aspects of Scheffler’s life.
Despite not playing his best golf during the final round of the PGA Championship, Scheffler displayed resilience. Although he faced challenges with his driver and irons, his determination shone through. When his lead dwindled, he regrouped and refocused, ultimately securing victory against fierce competition. His ability to compartmentalize emotions and maintain focus under pressure has been a key factor in his success.
As Scheffler reflected on the challenging week, he acknowledged, “It was as hard as I battled for a tournament in my career.” He understands that the nature of professional golf is one of ongoing pursuit, filled with both joy and frustration. By the end of the night, the initial exhilaration of victory gave way to a sense of duty. Yet, after fulfilling his obligations, he returned to the more meaningful aspects of life. He lifted Bennett high in the air, making silly faces and enjoying the pure joy of fatherhood. In that moment, the Wanamaker Trophy’s location became irrelevant.
