As he eyes his third Masters win in the last four years, golf prodigy Scottie Scheffler elucidates on his love for Augusta National and the unique challenges it presents. Despite a victory-less 2025 thus far, Scheffler remains a favorite among experts and enthusiasts alike, as he gears up for yet another showdown at the acclaimed Augusta National golf club next month.
To conquer Augusta, a golfer needs more than just skill. It demands a perfect blend of exceptional golfing prowess, a smidge of fortune, and above all, the ability to deliver under pressure. As the current world number one, Scheffler indisputably possesses these attributes and more.
With the Masters on the horizon, all eyes are on Scheffler, and the question on everyone’s lips is: what makes him so comfortable on the Augusta course? When posed with this question, Scheffler offered a few insights into his successful stint at Augusta.
“The difficulty level of the golf course is definitely a factor,” Scheffler noted. He emphasized the importance of course management, adding, “In my experience, the best strategy is to be in control of my golf ball. That’s the crux at Augusta. You can strategize all you want, but at the end of the day, you have to deliver. Miss a shot, and you pay the price. Thankfully, I’ve been successful in executing the shots I’ve intended to hit in the past few years.”
Scheffler’s statistics from his 2024 Masters win indeed paint a picture of controlled, strategic golfing. He registered an overall score of -11, an impressive driving average of 305.7 yards, and found 79% of fairways while achieving 70% greens in regulation.
When asked to expound on the differences between Augusta National and the US Open, Scheffler brought up the topic of artistic freedom. He explained, “Augusta changes significantly, from soft greens to firm greens, and we’ve seen some windy conditions in recent years. But one key difference between Augusta and other major championship venues is the minimal rough.”
Scheffler went on to discuss how playing off-line at Augusta usually means landing in pine straw or a small, cut rough, unlike the US Open or PGA Championship where a missed shot often results in a hack-out. At Augusta, you typically land in the fairway with always a chance to play a shot, albeit often challenging ones due to the elevated greens and other variables.
“What makes Augusta special is the opportunity to pull off a great shot,” Scheffler added. He contrasted the excitement of Augusta’s run-off areas and closely mown areas around the green with the monotony of hacking out of the rough at typical events.
Should Scheffler win the 2025 Masters, he would make history as the first player to secure three Masters titles while holding the world number one spot, surpassing Tiger Woods who managed two.